What ethical standard must a Notary Public uphold during their duties?

Impartiality is a fundamental ethical standard that a Notary Public must uphold during their duties. This means that when performing notarizations, a Notary must remain neutral and not take sides in any transaction. The role of the Notary is to act as an unbiased witness to the signing of documents, ensuring that all parties involved are treated fairly and equitably, without favoritism or discrimination.

By maintaining impartiality, Notaries help to ensure the integrity of the notarization process. This standard protects both the public and the Notary themselves, as it reduces the risk of fraud and promotes trust in the notarial acts performed. Notaries who display partiality or favoritism compromise their ability to serve the public effectively, which could lead to legal consequences and diminish public confidence in the notarial system.

Other options, while they may represent positive traits, do not embody the core ethical standard required of a Notary. Competitiveness does not apply to the nature of notarization, as Notaries should not be in competition with one another. Friendliness is a desirable personal trait, but it doesn't capture the ethical obligation of neutrality that is essential to the profession. Authority refers to the power to act or make decisions, which is inherent to the