LEGAL PRINCIPLE: EVIDENCE LAW – Illiterate Persons – Absence of Jurat

The absence of a jurat (certificate of explanation) in a document signed by an illiterate does not render the document void. The jurat protects the illiterate person’s interest—it cannot be used against them. The document is not automatically invalid; its weakness affects weight, not admissibility. The court evaluates the document’s probative value based on circumstances. The absence of jurat may raise questions about whether the illiterate understood the document, but does not nullify it. The protection is for the illiterate’s benefit; they may waive it. The document may still have evidentiary value.