Arkansas Notary Practice Test

A notary public has a professional and ethical obligation to ensure that the signer is acting of their own free will. If a notary suspects that coercion is involved in the signing process, they must prioritize the integrity of the notarization and the protection of the public. By refusing to perform the notarization, the notary is acting in accordance with their duty to prevent unlawful actions and to uphold the trust placed in them by the public.

This refusal helps maintain the integrity of the notarization process and protects individuals from being subject to fraud or manipulation. Notaries are trained to be vigilant in situations where there may be undue pressure on the signer, as the consequences of notarizing under these circumstances can lead to legal issues down the line.

Choosing to proceed with notarization despite suspicions of coercion undermines the notary’s responsibilities and can lead to significant repercussions, both legally and professionally. Similarly, contacting law enforcement or seeking a second opinion from another notary may not be appropriate immediate actions within the notary's scope of duties. Instead, the priority should be on refusing the notarization to safeguard against potential abuse.