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Which of the following responsibilities is NOT part of a notary public's duties?

  1. Administering oaths

  2. Conducting legal research

  3. Taking affidavits

  4. Witnessing signatures on documents

The correct answer is: Conducting legal research

A notary public's primary responsibilities revolve around the execution of official duties that certify documents, administer oaths, and ensure the authenticity of signatures. Legal research is not a function of a notary's role, as their main objective is to act as an impartial witness to the signing of documents and to affirm the identity of the signers, rather than providing legal interpretations or conducting research related to the law. Administering oaths, taking affidavits, and witnessing signatures on documents are all essential tasks that notaries perform. Administering oaths involves the notary ensuring that an individual swears to the truthfulness of their declarations. Taking affidavits is an important duty wherein a notary protects the integrity of statements made under oath in writing. Witnessing signatures on documents ensures that the signers are who they claim to be and act voluntarily. Therefore, legal research falls outside the scope of a notary's designated duties, making it the correct answer.