What role does a notary public perform?

A notary public plays a crucial role in the legal system by being authorized to perform certain legal actions, primarily related to the authentication of documents. This includes witnessing signatures on documents, administering oaths, and certifying copies of documents. The primary purpose of these actions is to prevent fraud and ensure that the parties involved are acting voluntarily and are aware of the implications of their actions.

While a notary public can play an essential part in the document process, they do not prepare legal documents or provide legal advice, which is typically the role of an attorney. Furthermore, they do not represent individuals in court, as their function is more about verifying the identity of the signers and ensuring the legitimacy of the documents involved rather than engaging in legal representation or advocacy. This reinforces the critical role of the notary public in maintaining the integrity of legal transactions.