In a trial, what term means to "speak the truth" during testimony?

The term that means to "speak the truth" during testimony is an “Affidavit.” An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, which is legally binding and used as evidence in court. When someone provides an affidavit, they are asserting that everything contained within is true to the best of their knowledge, and they take an oath before a notary public or another official authorized to administer oaths. This formal process underscores the seriousness of providing accurate information, as failure to do so can result in legal penalties for perjury.

The other terms relate to various legal processes but do not specifically denote the act of swearing to speak the truth in the same way an affidavit does. Cross-examine refers to the questioning of a witness by the opposing party, which aims to test the credibility of their testimony. Voir Dire is the process of questioning potential jurors to determine their suitability for a trial. A deposition is a formal statement taken out of court, where witnesses can provide testimony before the trial. While all these processes involve elements of truth-telling, it is the affidavit that specifically carries the weight of an oath to speak the truth.