...obviously, a bible would be a pit pointless if you didn't believe in god.
2006-09-22 03:24:14 · 11 answers · asked by mutterhals 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
The quick answer to your question is "They Don't." At least, not exactly.
When you are "sworn in" to testify in court ("Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you god?") you are actually being given the opportunity to make an "oath" or "affirmation."
Generally, religious people swear an oath (traditionally, in American courts, on the Bible). Non-religious people make an "affirmation" that they will tell the truth.
If you are non-religious and you're being "sworn in" an appropriate response is to substitute the word "affirm" for the word "swear." If you don't want to just say "I do" then you can say "I do so affirm."
Of course, the legal implications are no different. Whether you're religious or not, when you say "I do" to be "sworn in" you are obligated to tell the truth-- whether or not you think God's watching you.
This is not legal advice. You should consult a licensed attorney-at-law for legal advice and representation before making decisions that may affect your legal rights.
2006-09-22 03:51:46 · answer #1 · answered by ParaNYC 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The court takes it for granted that all people are pious and believe in god. Either this or a practice has been introduced long time back when no one dare to say I don't believe in god and the same practice followed blindly. The second seems to be more appropriate because no one has questioned the judge whether he believes in god? Atheist wont mind because he is not asked about his faith in bible or god but just to put his Hand on the book (i think it is tied in a cloth) and say that he will speak the truth and nothing but the truth
2006-09-22 03:40:20 · answer #2 · answered by Brahmanda 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends on the court. In some courts they still use bibles even though some people are athiest and others are religions other than Christianity. Most courts (including the ones near me) don't use bibles and just say "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"
The idea is that people who are swearing to tell the truth are either going to tell the truth or they're going to lie, and the bible probably isn't going to make much difference.
2006-09-22 03:26:21 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There is an affirmation given as an option if someone either doesn't believe in God, or is just preferring that language rather than the "so help me God" part of the standard oath. All they have to do is request the affirmation, and they use that language when being sworn, yet they are still under oath and have promised to tell the truth, or face penalties.
2006-09-22 04:41:12 · answer #4 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Think they are allowed to put their hand on their heart, but forget the exact answer told me by someone who had the job administering the oath to tell the truth to people in during court cases. There maybe more than one option such as not placing their hand on the book of their choice.
2006-09-22 03:43:27 · answer #5 · answered by Mister2-15-2 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
THANK GOD I'M AN ATHEIST!!-Voltaire
Doesn't matter, lie (perjure yourself) in court and the punishment is going to be severe..You'll be asking for God's help if they can prove you lied.
2006-09-22 03:27:34 · answer #6 · answered by v 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I swear when I hammer my finger, when I burn myself, when a Dick driver is holding up the lane.....but not in court.
Never been there though.
2006-09-22 03:26:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think they just hold their right hand up and "promise" to tell the truth.
2006-09-22 03:36:39 · answer #8 · answered by POPPY 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
all atheists are law abiding people , it is the religious ones you have to watch
2006-09-22 03:27:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
they say it so they wouldnt be locked up and then lie during the trial.
2006-09-22 03:32:17 · answer #10 · answered by ♣DreamDancer♣ 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋