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A person appointed as a commissioner under the Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act holds the authority to administer oaths and take affidavits, declarations, and affirmations. This authority extends to situations where such actions are permitted or required by law, within the parameters set forth in their appointment certificate.   An affidavit serves as a sworn statement, affirmed to be true under oath or affirmation, commonly used as evidence in legal proceedings. The act of swearing an oath, making a declaration, or affirming a statement carries significant legal weight and can be performed before a notary public or commissioner.   Certain professionals, such as lawyers, paralegals, and municipal clerks, are automatically designated as commissioners and are exempt from additional application processes. Notably, a notary public possesses all the powers vested in a commissioner for taking affidavits, including the ability to authenticate the validity of signatures, marks, and copies of documents.   In summary, commissioners appointed under the Act play a crucial role in legal procedures by facilitating the solemn affirmation of statements and the administration of oaths, thereby ensuring the integrity and admissibility of evidence in various legal contexts.