NOTARY: Set record straight

In his “Readers Write” piece, Rick Casemore makes a number of false and misleading statements relating to the duties and responsibilities attributed to an unknown Idaho notary public who purportedly notarized a letter penned by Shasta Groene relating to a then-current court proceeding. Unless the notary happens to be a licensed attorney and was asked to analyze related documents, an Idaho notary public is prohibited, by law, from reviewing such documents, asking for further information in support of the notarial process and opining on the correctness or legitimacy of presented documents.

To do any of these things, a notary might be accused of the unlicensed practice of law. Casemore’s contention that the notary involved in this matter erred in his/her duties is wrong. As long as the notary properly identified the signer, witnessed the signature, applied the correct notary stamp and made the appropriate journal entry, he/she complied with Idaho law. Casemore’s suggestion to the contrary distorts, confuses and adds pain to the protracted Groene saga.

JERRY ROSE

Hayden