If religion and the existence of God is utter codswallop to so many people nowadays in England, why is God mentioned in the oath that is used in court? 'I swear by Almighty God that I will tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.'
There are so many people that refuse to believe in God in England which means that that proportion that do not believe can simply lie through their teeth. Why does the court bother using this oath when it means so little to so many people?
2007-02-12 04:29:30 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Good question. I've never thought of it like that before. They'd no doubt get more of the truth if they made the person swear on their mothers life or babies life or something !!!!!
2007-02-12 04:35:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because of history (where people believed that lying after swearing under oath was a mortal sin and you'd go to hell) and because SOME people still take those words to heart.
(P.S. at least in the U.S., where we have the First Amendment, some people are allowed to "affirm," rather than to swear and oath.)
2007-02-12 12:33:51 · answer #2 · answered by Perdendosi 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Still means something to some people. You may swear according to other religions too, you just tell the Clerk which. Failing this, you may "affirm", which is making a solemn promise to tell the truth.
Whichever way, once you've done one of these you're open to charges of perjury if you lie; it doesn't matter whether you believed in what you swore or affirmed, the fact that you did so pins you down.
2007-02-12 12:44:24 · answer #3 · answered by champer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sadly, there are many people trying to eliminate that from the oath. We don't even swear on the Bible anymore in court. We started out Christian but are quickly turning away.
2007-02-12 12:45:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe it has something to do with our Royalty being head of the church and our church being the religion of the people of England. Most people believe the bible to be a holy book and once you place your hand on it, you shouldn't lie. Humph, wish Paul France had remembered that before he lied.
Remember, you are given a choice in court. You can just promise to tell the truth.
2007-02-12 12:36:38 · answer #5 · answered by Curious39 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mainly because its tradition that has been carried out for hundreds of years, when people were "god-fearing." I personally think the oath should be changed to "I swear that I will tell the truth..." but that's just my opinion.
2007-02-12 12:35:14 · answer #6 · answered by Enchanted 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are several oaths, pertinent to religious faith. You can chose to take an "affirmation" instead, the text of which is "Affirmation I do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that I will faithfully try the defendant and give a true verdict according to the evidence"
2007-02-12 12:35:21 · answer #7 · answered by scareyd 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Bible is not the only thing you may swear by. There is usually a choice to be offered... Quoran etc.
If you are not religious you can choose to Affirm, which is reading from a card that you will tell the truth.
2007-02-12 12:35:44 · answer #8 · answered by breezinabout 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you do not believe in God or are of a different faith religion there are alternative oaths
2007-02-12 12:34:29 · answer #9 · answered by barn owl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
REALITY IS, no matter what preferences some people, especially the criminal fraternity are offered, if someone is prepared to lie, they`ll do it regardless and exert caution, in the hope of not being caught out.
2007-02-12 12:46:06 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋