what happens if a athiest refuses to take the oath in accourt of law?

Question

if a athiest refuses to swear on the bible in court what happens

Answer 1

Many people, not just atheists, object to swearing on the bible. In fact, that is not done at all now in California courts. Such people are allowed to "affirm" that they will tell the truth, and the consequence of lying (a perjury charge) is the same.

Note that in California, and I would expect other jurisdictions, the refusal to take an oath as a witness is a contempt of court, and you can be held in jail until you agree to do so. You can also be prosecuted for a crime, which in California carries up to six months in jail.

Answer 2

Anyone has the option to "affirm" that they will tell the truth. In reality, bibles are rarely used in most courts. You raise your hand and the judge asks you if you swear to tell the truth.

And it's not just atheists who refuse to swear on bibles. Quakers, Mormons and Hutterites won't swear on the bible either. Franklin Pierce and Teddy Roosevelt both refused to swear on a bible when they took the presidential oath of office.

Who cares anyway? Too many so-called Christians are more than happen to swear on a bible then lie through their teeth on the witness stand.

Answer 3

In modern times, the person testifying must be offered the opportunity of swearing or affirming the truthfulness of the statements made. While it looks more impressive in movies, bibles have not been used in courts in years.

Without the oath or affirmation, there is no indicia of truthfulness. I have never heard of a witness refusing to affirm or swear to truthfulness. I imagine the judge, after exploring the issue of any religious, personal or moral reason for the refusal, would not permit "unsworn" or "unaffirmed" testimony and would prohibit the witness from testifying.

Answer 4

Jamie as a proud guy or woman from England why do you care what's interior the CANADIAN oath of citizenship.Your final question worried Queen Camilla now you're anxious approximately an oath to the Queen.If a guy or woman coming to Canada needs to take the Oath of Citizenship it is their corporation and not yours. in case you do no longer in basic terms like the oath then do no longer take it. an straight forward technique.on account which you have by no potential been to Canada why do you care what oath somebody else takes. it is a private remember and it is approximately time you butted out.

Answer 5

Then, the court is supposed to give them the option of swearing an oath to simply tell the truth.

If they don't agree to that oath, then they are disqualified from testifying.

At least that's how it works in Federal court

Answer 6

Most courts have not used a bible in years, that is only on TV now adays.

You can swear to tell the truth.

Or even merley promise to tell the truth, ( religions that don't allow a person to swear)

Answer 7

Nothing. Most courts have eschewed the use of the bible. They only need to take a secular oath (don't have to say "so help me god.")

Answer 8

you will be read a memorandum of responsibility or told to use a modified oath excluding the word God and religious references your responsibility's will be the same and consequences as well perjury and contempt will still apply and if you are the defendant you may piss off the judge and or jury.

Answer 9

after they are told the subject is athiest they ask them to affirm that the statement given is true.

Answer 10

one can swear by bible if they desire or can they simply affirm...