两者均有口供书的含义。其区别在于affidavit ( “宣誓证明书”）是一种宣誓文件，为不经盘问而自愿所作的口供的笔录, 当证人无法亲自出庭时，affidavit可被法庭作为证言接受[1]。 deposition ( “证明笔录”）则是宣誓后在正式质询下所作口头证明的笔录，是接受诘问的一种产物[2]。在法律程序中，按规定, 向法庭提供deposition的当事人必须向另一方当事人通知，并给予另一方当事人对证人进行盘诘（cross-examination)的机会; 相比之下，affidavit则无如此之规定。

 

[1 ] "A written or printed declaration or statement of facts，made voluntarily, and confirmed by the oath or affirmation of the party making it，taking before a person having authority to administer such oath or affirmation. ” Cf. The Publisher's Editorial Staff, Black's Law Dictionary, abridged 6 th edition, at p. 36，West Publishing Co. (1991).

[2 ] “A statement that is made under oath by a party or witness (as an expert) in response to oral examination or written questions and that is recorded by an authorized officer. ” Cf. Linda Picard Wood, J. D.，Merriam Websters Dictionary of Law, at p. 134，Merriam- Webster, Incorporated (1996).

[3 ] “ Depositions are distinguished from affidavits by the requirement that notice and an opportunity to cross-examine the deponent must be given to the other party. * Id. at p. 134