2006-11-09 05:57:20 · 22 answers · asked by Cosmic I 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
We were not asked to swear with our hand on a bible, but "so help me god" was tacked on at the end, which really bugged me. Also, the clerk began the proceedings with "and may god save this court", which I also found offensive. I had already been selected at that point, so I didn't argue about the god part, but I am curious if that would be a sticking point that either side's attorney would use to excuse potential hostile jurors.
2006-11-09 07:46:56 · update #1
and to respond to sirius rising's comment about civilization, I do not live in a very civilized part of the USA; I live in New Orleans.
2006-11-09 07:49:05 · update #2
No. I believe they have a alternate versions of the oath or allow appropriate modifications. You can also swear on the constitution instead of the bible.
ADDENDUM: In my one experience with New Orleans jury duty I got out of serving in a civil case by chiming in with a "me too" when a woman in the pool expressed curiosity as to how one places a monetary value on loss of consort. (I was tempted to ask "what's the going rate?" but wisely held my tongue.) I knew I was out when I heard my name in the murmur between the lawyers & judge.
Over here I avoided jury duty the one time I was called by claiming essential employee status.
From what I've heard, though, NOLA has a bit of a case backlog, so with half its citizens on "vacation" I'm guessing avoiding jury duty is rather difficult there these days.
2006-11-09 06:01:32 · answer #1 · answered by John's Secret Identity™ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've always wondered that myself! I think it's crazy to ask me to swear on a bible to god that I will tell the truth and whatever at jury duty, to testify, etc. Since I don't believe, wouldn't that be lieing? So if I said yes, but I was lieing, wouldn't that be purgery?
If I said no, I didn't believe in god, would they lock me up for contempt?
Eeek!
2006-11-09 14:00:08 · answer #2 · answered by Heck if I know! 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That's actually a great question. I'd like to know. Not that I intend to use it to get out of jury duty anytime soon, but is it okay to say, "I'm not Christian and I'm not swearing on a Bible", because I honestly would.
Love your kitty, btw.
2006-11-09 14:06:18 · answer #3 · answered by wyvern1313 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When I had jury duty I don't remember swearing on a bible.
Why would you want to get out of jury duty anyway? It can be very interesting.
2006-11-09 14:32:25 · answer #4 · answered by Sage Bluestorm 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, but tell them you support the death penalty for parking tickets and black people should automatically be sent to jail and you should be fine.
I don't know where you can't choose not to say "God" or swear on the Bible. Most places don't even try to use it to begin with.
2006-11-09 14:02:20 · answer #5 · answered by Phoenix, Wise Guru 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, we as Christians aren't supposed to swear to God either. There's a verse that says we cannot change even one hair on our head, so who are we to swear on God's name?
Luckily, there is a non-religious oath you can take if need be that does not include the words "so help me God".
2006-11-09 14:03:53 · answer #6 · answered by arewethereyet 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Not in my state. Luckily, since we are part of Civilization (the Northeast) we are a "swear or affirm" state. But maybe this would be a problem in NASCAR land or some other barbarous region.
2006-11-09 14:25:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
See what happens when god is in the middle? Why can't you just swear to your country, to truth, or anything. If I was made to swear to god, my swearing would be entirely worthless.
2006-11-09 14:02:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nuh-uh. My brother's "apatheist" and my wife's atheist; they've both served.
I, on the other hand, have gotten out by bringing issues of High Times and On Our Backs to read, or wearing T-Shirt Hell t-shirts.
2006-11-09 14:00:48 · answer #9 · answered by GreenEyedLilo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They typically have some sort of provision available for individuals who do not wish to take a religiously-based "oath".
2006-11-09 14:02:38 · answer #10 · answered by samiracat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋