兩者均有口供書的含義。其區(qū)別在于affidavit ( “宣誓證明書”）是一種宣誓文件，為不經(jīng)盤問而自愿所作的口供的筆錄, 當證人無法親自出庭時，affidavit可被法庭作為證言接受[1]。 deposition ( “證明筆錄”）則是宣誓后在正式質(zhì)詢下所作口頭證明的筆錄，是接受詰問的一種產(chǎn)物[2]。在法律程序中，按規(guī)定, 向法庭提供deposition的當事人必須向另一方當事人通知，并給予另一方當事人對證人進行盤詰（cross-examination)的機會; 相比之下，affidavit則無如此之規(guī)定。

 

[1 ] "A written or printed declaration or statement of facts，made voluntarily, and confirmed by the oath or affirmation of the party making it，taking before a person having authority to administer such oath or affirmation. ” Cf. The Publisher's Editorial Staff, Black's Law Dictionary, abridged 6 th edition, at p. 36，West Publishing Co. (1991).

[2 ] “A statement that is made under oath by a party or witness (as an expert) in response to oral examination or written questions and that is recorded by an authorized officer. ” Cf. Linda Picard Wood, J. D.，Merriam Websters Dictionary of Law, at p. 134，Merriam- Webster, Incorporated (1996).

[3 ] “ Depositions are distinguished from affidavits by the requirement that notice and an opportunity to cross-examine the deponent must be given to the other party. * Id. at p. 134