Information and belief

In the law of evidence, the phrase information and belief identifies a statement that is made, not from firsthand knowledge, but "based on secondhand information that the declarant believes is true".^[1]

The phrase is often used in legal pleadings, declarations under penalty of perjury, and affidavits under oath.^[2] It is often used in a phrase similar to: "The plaintiff is informed and believes, and upon such information and belief alleges".^[3] This "protects the maker of the statement from claims of outright falsehood or perjury".^[2]