Which of the following actions is considered misconduct by a notary in Arkansas?

Falsifying a signature or failing to verify the identity of the signer constitutes a serious breach of trust and legal obligation for a notary. In Arkansas, and generally in notary practice, it is imperative that a notary verifies the identity of the person signing a document to deter fraud and ensure the authenticity of the notarization process. The notary acts as an impartial witness, and the integrity of the notarization relies heavily on the correct identification of the parties involved.

When a notary falsifies a signature, they not only commit a fraudulent act but also undermine the very purpose of the notarial act, which is to provide assurance that the signer is who they claim to be. This action can lead to legal penalties, loss of notarial commission, and potential criminal charges, making it a clear example of misconduct within notarial duties.

Conversely, the other options might not conform to best practices or ethical standards but do not constitute misconduct in the same egregious manner. For instance, providing services free of charge could be seen as a generous act rather than misconduct, and refusing to notarize for non-residents may be a reflection of the notary's discretion regarding the notarization policies. Likewise, not responding to clients may reflect poor