2006-12-12 07:37:32 · 15 answers · asked by psychodad 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
No. It is always permissible to affirm. The affirmation used in England and Wales is: "I do truly, honestly and sincerely declare and affirm that the evidence I shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth." The affirmation is as binding as an oath and dishonest statements on affirmation carry the same penalties under the Perjury Act as dishonest statements under oath.
2006-12-13 04:25:57 · answer #1 · answered by Doethineb 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can request that you don't have to swear on the bible as it's against your belief. Most courts recognise this and will accept it. You can make an oath without resorting to placing your hand on the bible.
2006-12-12 15:43:09 · answer #2 · answered by Tabbyfur aka patchy puss 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you can 'affirm' to tell the truth. You would be warned that 'affirming' carries the same weight of honesty as a christian swearing on the bible or a muslim swearing on the Holy Koran.
2006-12-12 15:41:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can swear on a script prepared for atheists but in practice people don't if they are on trial encase they are looked down upon, so in practice the answer is usually yes
2006-12-12 21:20:56 · answer #4 · answered by . 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know. Do they still do that? Why? Jurisprudence is corrupt and dysfunctional. What's the book doing in there? If an atheist is really an atheist, what's he doing with greenbacks that say In God We Trust, or on the walls of so called Congress?
2006-12-12 15:42:41 · answer #5 · answered by vanamont7 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They may have to swear on the bible, but whether they adhere to the oath is another question.
2006-12-12 15:43:07 · answer #6 · answered by ana_is_a_cat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, they must swear, but it doesn't have to be on the Bible. That goes for Jews, Muslims, etc. too.
2006-12-12 15:42:03 · answer #7 · answered by BabyBear 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
puh well i wudnt plus it wouldnt mean much if an theist swore on the bible because..there an atheist
2006-12-12 15:40:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ohhh good question. I have never thought of that. I wonder why they still do that. Its not like its going to mean anything to someone who isnt christian.
Verrrry good point!
2006-12-12 15:40:05 · answer #9 · answered by one 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
no neither do christians, theres an alternative oath.
2006-12-12 16:58:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋