If I go to court or somewhere else where I have to give an official oath can I leave out the
"... so hep me God" And if yes, do I have to inform somebody beforehand?
I do not believe in God and then I would already be lying in my oath.
It might not matter legally, but it does to me.
Anyone know?
2006-09-08 06:36:18 · 21 answers · asked by stella maris 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
The court cannot require you to swear any religious oath. In fact, the court cannot require you to swear any oath at all.
The court can require you to affirm that your testimony will be accurate and not deceptive, and that you understand the penalties of perjury. That's been the law under Supreme Court holdings for several decades now.
Watch the proceedings. If you see the court using the religious references, then simply inform the bailiff that you prefer a non-religious oath. Things will go a lot smoother if you tell the court in advance, and in a calm reasonable manner.
2006-09-08 06:42:34 · answer #1 · answered by coragryph 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
UK: and most likely US as well: If you do not believe in God, you may 'Aver'----------- 'I do solemnly and sincerely affirm and declare, that the evidence I shall give to the court, shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth'. There is no mention of God at all. As far as I can remember, from a lecture, the Quakers used to refuse to take the Oath and used to be imprisoned for doing so. That is why the Oath Act allowed non-believers AND those against taking an Oath AND those with a difficult or unavailable method of taking an oath to Aver............. In rare cases, the Judge may question you on your belief or non-belief in God and may overrule your refusal.........
2006-09-08 06:48:41 · answer #2 · answered by thomasrobinsonantonio 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every courtroom has affirmations in addition to the more commonly used oaths, and just asking for the affirmation when you are about to be sworn won't be a problem.
2006-09-08 10:26:59 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you should inform whomever you are testifying for the defense of the prosecution and they in turn should notify the bailiff that will be swearing you in. I myself do believe in God but he says not to swear on his name so I refused to say it on the grounds of religious belief and there was no problem.
2006-09-08 06:40:23 · answer #4 · answered by jusme 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just tell the baliff or judge that you would like a non-religious oath. They do this all the time.
2006-09-08 06:47:28 · answer #5 · answered by 02B30C1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just explain to the judge you don't believe in God. And tell him you swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth, out of honesty and integrity.
2006-09-08 06:39:25 · answer #6 · answered by jprofitt303 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
good question. I do believe in god but for those of you that don't, I wonder what would happen if you did go to court and just tell them that based on your religeous beliefs you can't answer that question.
2006-09-08 06:40:19 · answer #7 · answered by WasIdreaming 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had to testify under oath recently and they didn't have the line "so help me god".
2006-09-08 06:38:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
properly... you *can't* go away it to Winona's huge brown beaver. somebody already tried to scouse borrow it. I doubt there have been any wieners (the Oscar Meyer form, of direction!) left over whilst they have been with the aid of. Tis' a real tragedy, no?
2017-01-05 09:10:18 · answer #9 · answered by russnak 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I belive that there is another oath for people in your situation. Just ask for it.
2006-09-08 06:38:02 · answer #10 · answered by rachely1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋