What is a requirement for the format of affidavits as per the rules?

Affidavits used in legal proceedings in New South Wales must follow specific formatting requirements to ensure clarity and accessibility. One critical requirement is that each matter contained in the affidavit should be presented in separate paragraphs. This practice allows for a clearer understanding of the facts being presented, making it easier for the reader to identify and refer to specific statements within the affidavit. The use of separate paragraphs helps to organize the information logically and improves the overall readability of the document.

In contrast, while other formatting aspects such as spacing may be important, they do not carry the same level of necessity regarding the structure of the content, which is why they were not chosen. For example, including a summary of the legal case does not align with the primary purpose of an affidavit, which is to present factual evidence as per the Australian legal procedural requirements. Furthermore, affidavits do not have to be signed by a lawyer; they typically require the signature of the deponent (the individual making the affidavit) before an authorized witness. Hence, the requirement of separate paragraphs stands out as the fundamental aspect of preparing an affidavit correctly in New South Wales civil proceedings.