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What is a common consequence of a notary performing an unauthorized act?

  1. Loss of composure

  2. Legal liability

  3. Increased public trust

  4. Renewal of their notary commission

The correct answer is: Legal liability

The correct answer is legal liability. When a notary performs an unauthorized act, they can be held legally accountable for their actions. This could include fines, loss of their notary commission, and potential civil or criminal penalties, depending on the severity of the unauthorized act. Notaries are required to adhere strictly to the regulations governing their role, and any deviation can lead to serious legal repercussions. In contrast, loss of composure is more of a personal reaction and does not reflect a systemic legal consequence. Increased public trust would generally stem from a notary's adherence to their duties, not from an unauthorized act, so this option does not align with the consequences discussed. Renewal of their notary commission is entirely dependent on maintaining proper conduct and compliance with the law; unauthorized actions could jeopardize their ability to renew it in the future.