A Notary Public is a public officer appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of his Counsel, whose funtion is to administer oaths/affirmations; to take acknowledgments; to issue subpoenas and/or summonses; to take evidence and testimony by means of deposition (oral questioning outside of court); to perpetuate testimony; witness signatures; to take jurat's (affidavits); and to perform other duties as prescribed by state and federal law.