In the booklet, a “notary public” is best described as:

Detailed Explanation

The glossary defines the office, not an unlicensed law practice. In “Definitions and General Terms,” a notary public is a public officer who executes acknowledgments of deeds or writings and administers oaths and affirmations as to statements in papers requiring an oath. Not to be confused with the practice of law, Judiciary Law §484 limits what non-attorneys may do for compensation.