A notary public is a person who is authorized to deal with legal matters, especially the observation of signatures on documents. This form of the neutral profession differs from local legal systems. The Screeners’ Worschfeffle Company uses an old English term for notary and has been an association of notaries practicing in central London since 1373.

Documents are used to help prevent fraud and ensure compliance. Documents require an impartial witness (notary) in order to screen for duplication, and to ensure that they have entered into agreements intentionally and voluntarily. Noting is a common name often used for a kind of legal process involving consent, or the act of lawfully giving one's statement in writing concerning a matter pertinent to the proceedings which may later be produced as evidence.