2006-06-13 11:23:17 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Polls & Surveys
If you don't care please don't answer my question sir!
2006-06-13 11:28:50 · update #1
Oh that is soooo simple.We use a special bible with blank pages.
2006-06-22 11:29:04 · answer #1 · answered by Rich B 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When a witness refuses to swear to God, the court accepts an "affirmation" instead. In a jury trial, the smart lawyer will arrange for this ahead of time in the judge's chambers, so the witness won't look unduly obstreperous or morally deficient in open court. The judge may then instruct the jury that the funny oath they are about to hear should be considered legally valid.
In U.S. District Court (to take the most widespread example), the standard oath is amended to: "You do affirm that all the testimony you are about to give in the case now before the court will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth; this you do affirm under the pains and penalties of perjury?" After the witness replies, "You got it, Jack," or whatever godless heathens say in such situations, everyone sits back and pretends that the "pains and penalties of perjury" are every bit as intimidating as the wrath of a vengeful Almighty. It's not an ideal situation, if you want my opinion, but I suppose it's the best the judges can do under the circumstances.
2006-06-13 11:27:51 · answer #2 · answered by Kaptain Krakatoa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am an atheist. I had to go to court once and be sworn in. In the middle of being sworn in when they get to the under G-d part. I interrupted and said I do not and will not tell the truth while under G-d. The judge actually was cool about it and swore me in without using this. Of course every other christian in the place was mortified. LOL
2006-06-20 14:07:52 · answer #3 · answered by teambargain 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. A person (whether atheist, Christian, or any other specific religion) can still be charged with the crime of perjury for providing false testimony in a court of law. This is the state and federal law for all courts in the U.S., and every person subject to a U.S. court's jurisdiction (including witnesses who provide testimony) is subject to the law of the jurisdiction regarding perjury. The Bible is used more as a matter of tradition in our country. Although requiring a court witness to swear on the Bible under oath may draw the witness's attention to the seriousness of providing truthful testimony in a court of law, the Bible itself does not impose any additional legal obligations with respect to the perjury laws in any jurisdiction. For people who believe in the truth and sanctity of the Bible, however, it probably imposes an additional moral obligation, which, although important, is not something to which our country's laws attach criminal penalties.
Hope this helps!
2006-06-13 11:34:24 · answer #4 · answered by InquiringMind 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, they don't do that anymore. I was a witness in a hearing in L.A. The Judge or Bailiff just asked me to swear to tell the truth.
If you don't you are charged with Perjury. No, I didn't have that particular experience. It was quite a while back, I can't remember if it was the Judge or the Bailiff.
Besides, where did you get the idea Christians always told the truth?
2006-06-13 11:28:55 · answer #5 · answered by Ding-Ding 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not consider myself a Christian and if I were called to testify, it would be incumbent upon me to inform the court that swearing on a Bible directly conflicts with my beliefs. In those cases, I believe that what the court requires is that you make a vow within your own belief system that binds you to be truthful.
2006-06-13 11:28:41 · answer #6 · answered by Evil Kelly 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it still counts. "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth so help you God?" When you say "I Do" You're also entering a sort of contract with the court. So if you lie, you can laugh and say "hah, I don't believe in God, fooled you!" And they can laugh, and then take you to jail for perjury.
2006-06-13 11:28:18 · answer #7 · answered by Curt P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah - it counts. I'm atheist but if I swear to tell, "the truth, the whole truth, so help me God", then I would. I don't feel I have to a megalithic being hovering over me to insure that I don't lie. Being atheist isn't the same as unethical.
2006-06-13 11:50:05 · answer #8 · answered by Tee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe they stopped making people swear on the bible.
2006-06-21 23:14:41 · answer #9 · answered by tinkerbelle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually you could request to promise to tell the truth instead of swearing.
2006-06-24 13:32:20 · answer #10 · answered by ~Tgae~ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋