What is defined as a formal statement made under oath in a legal setting?

The formal statement made under oath in a legal setting is known as testimony. Testimony is provided by a witness during a legal proceeding, such as a trial or deposition, and is a critical component of the judicial process as it presents facts and evidence regarding the case at hand. Witnesses are required to swear an oath to tell the truth, adding legal weight to their statements.

An affidavit, while also a formal statement made under oath, is typically a written document that is submitted to the court without the witness needing to verbally present it in a courtroom setting. A declaration may have a similar context, but it is usually less formal than an affidavit and might not require an oath. A subpoena is actually a legal document that orders a person to appear in court or produce evidence, rather than a statement made under oath. Thus, testimony is the most accurate term for a formal, spoken statement made in a legal context.