2006-09-03 13:52:57 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Sorry forgot to add "so help you God" to the end, dident have room. What happens if you don't believe in a god?
2006-09-03 13:56:13 · update #1
So why bother making people swear to tell the truth if they have to anyway?
2006-09-03 13:58:28 · update #2
uhhh.....wow good question
2006-09-03 13:54:25 · answer #1 · answered by Sarah 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I work in the legal system. If you are found to give false or misleading evidence, you can end up in jail. It's a criminal offence. In my experience, lawyers know the answers to the questions they ask you. They just need you to say it, because they are not allowed to give evidence. So basically the lawyer will keep asking the question until they get the answer they want.
Now days there are two types of ways to be sworn in to give evidence. You can sware on the bible, or you can take an affirmation, which is like a legal promise. And by saying I do, you acknowledge the legal consequences of lying.
A way to try and get around this is by saying "I can't recall. I don't remember". If you do this too much the lawyer will complain to the judge.
2006-09-03 14:03:05 · answer #2 · answered by Franko Unamerican 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reference to god is not required, and cannot be compelled.
Nor is that particular wording, or any form of religious oath, required. The only legal requirement, per the US Supreme Court, is an affirmation (statement) that the testimony you give will be truthful (or accurate, or correct and not misleading), and that you understand the consequences of perjury.
The point of the oath or affirmation is to make sure witnesses understand the importance of telling the truth, and as notice that they are subject to the penalties of perjury if they do not.
If you refuse to take the oath or affirmation, you will not be allowed to testify. If you are called to testify and refuse, you can be found in contempt of court.
2006-09-03 13:56:47 · answer #3 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most courts don't use any reference to God, and I don't know of any that use a bible any longer. They merely ask if you swear that what you are about to answer is the truth, ( or simular wording)
And if you have a religious objection to swearing ( some do) they merely ask you if what you are about to testify to is the truth.
2006-09-03 14:07:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
that is basically right to inform the reality cuz in case you get stuck mendacity, you're gonna be charged. Ex. in case you comprehend that some thing's on your motor vehicle & you do not tell the courtroom & the police officials pass & search for it; or you're the actually one whose pushed it or some thing like that. that is basically right to say the reality in case you comprehend that some thing's in there. i comprehend that it would not precisely answer your Q yet it really is the A I were given fr my bf's older bro.
2016-12-06 08:19:59 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God wouldn't help you cause you didn't "swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you God."
2006-09-03 13:54:33 · answer #6 · answered by Egroeg_Rorepme 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You are allowed to "affirm to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth".
They usually ask do you swear or affirm to......
2006-09-03 13:59:37 · answer #7 · answered by Barkley Hound 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
And what happens if you're an atheist and you made to swear on a stack of bibles?
2006-09-03 14:41:55 · answer #8 · answered by Its not me Its u 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the "So help me God" means that if you lie, God is the only one who can help you. If you don't believe in God, then it means that if you lie... you're doomed.
2006-09-03 14:05:37 · answer #9 · answered by neocarleen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are cited for contempt of court & put in the clinker.
2006-09-03 14:01:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well if you tell the truth and you have done something wrong then you get your sentencing but if you tell the truth and you are inosent then you go free!
2006-09-03 13:55:21 · answer #11 · answered by bballgurlie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋