Ohio Notary Practice Exam

Should a notary who is unskilled in conducting depositions notarize a deposition?

1. Yes, as long as it is signed

2. No, they should not

3. Only if they review the document

4. Yes, if it involves other notaries

The correct answer is: No, they should not

A notary who is unskilled in conducting depositions should not notarize a deposition because depositions are legal documents that require a specific understanding of the process, the terminology involved, and the duties of the parties present. By notarizing a document without the necessary knowledge or skills, the notary may inadvertently facilitate an improper or invalid deposition, which could have legal consequences for all involved parties. Notarizing a deposition implies that the notary is verifying the authenticity of signatures and ensuring that the document was executed in accordance with the law. If the notary lacks the necessary training or understanding of how depositions should be conducted, they could potentially invalidate the document or fail to execute their duties properly. Therefore, it is essential that notaries only undertake tasks in which they are properly trained and knowledgeable to uphold the integrity of the notarial process.