2006-11-20 23:53:27 · 10 answers · asked by savita v 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
No you cannot refuse. But you are not asked to swear on a Bible. You are asked if you solemnly avow that you will tell the truth and are expected to do so or face possible charges of perjury.
2006-11-21 00:02:42 · answer #1 · answered by Michael 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, the courts have another oath that a person can take to swear to tell the truth. If this person refuses to tell the truth still, they can be found in contempt of court and possibly fined and jailed.
2006-11-21 07:55:07 · answer #2 · answered by beeotch 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No one is required to swear on the bible. That is a holdover from an earlier time in American history when very nearly 100% of the population was Christian. Despite the potential conflicts with the Constitution, no one would ever have declined to swear the truth on their good book. Today, you still have to swear with your hand in the air, but cannot be required to do so on the bible. You are considered to be under oath, though, and anything you say had better be the truth as you know it.
2006-11-21 08:07:40 · answer #3 · answered by Kurt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No!..Under British common law, which still applys in the USA as well as my country Australia, An atheist must take the "oath of Affirmation"..This is where he swears under 'common law' to tell the truth in a court of law!..
2006-11-21 08:02:42 · answer #4 · answered by paranthropus2001 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some courts in Virginia still ask if you will tell the truth "so help you God". This is an easy-out for Atheists! If they say this instead of "under the penalties of perjury" an Atheist CAN lie without any retribution by anyone other than the God he doesn't believe in !
2014-10-31 12:07:10 · answer #5 · answered by BillyTheKid 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No we dont swear on the Bible anymore. But if they want to refuse they have that right. The judge will just throw out there testomony, or if he wants hold them in contempt.
2006-11-21 08:01:35 · answer #6 · answered by bildymooner 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would hope not. That would mean anyone could pose atheist to take advantage.
2006-11-21 08:53:55 · answer #7 · answered by Huey Freeman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure if they want to held in comtempt of court.
2006-11-21 08:01:08 · answer #8 · answered by elaeblue 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They don't use the bible anymore in court.
2006-11-21 07:55:52 · answer #9 · answered by a1tommyL 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not a chance.
2006-11-21 07:54:43 · answer #10 · answered by bor_rabnud 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋