I mean can't they just give their word?
2007-02-22 04:15:55 · 23 answers · asked by Dots666 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
An Atheist does NOT swear on a Bible in court. An Atheist or anyone for whom the Bible has no significance, for that matter, can request to simply make an affirmation. The requirement is designed to "awaken the witness’ conscience and impress the witness’ mind with the duty to tell the truth.” An oath on the Bible or an affirmation are equally effective.
2007-02-22 04:48:13 · answer #1 · answered by jurydoc 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christian Answers from Khalil Ahlee:
Answer: This country was started on the base of God and to this day that is how our court system still works in some ways, even our money reads is God We Trust. Put it like this, the court doesn't care if you swear on a pig, if you lie and they find you guilty you will be punished. It's just a way of you and the court recognizing that you promise to tell the truth.
2007-02-22 04:21:08 · answer #2 · answered by Khalil 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because it is tradition. I have often said to my friends that having someone who does not believe in the Bible or God swear on a Bible to tell the truth holds NO VALUE at all.
The idea of using the Bible is that the person believes it holds a special place and they will be punished for lying based on what that book says, but if you don't believe you will be punished by a God, then so what.
lastly, I thought the US was big on separation of Church and State? Then why a Bible? Clearly that it is not as true as they make it out to be.
2007-02-22 04:20:35 · answer #3 · answered by David M 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
It is representative of giving your word. The Bible or God only have meaning in the act of swearing in to those who believe in them. To others it simply means I give my word to tell the truth.
2007-02-22 04:19:45 · answer #4 · answered by El Pistolero Negra 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They make everyone swear, so it's really not a separation of church and state, is it? The same idea behind having the slogan "In God We Trust" in court rooms and on money, etc... They say it's because the government and country were founded on judeo-christian values, but in my opinion it's unjust because not everyone believes in God, and it's their right not to believe in God.
2007-02-22 04:25:32 · answer #5 · answered by true blue 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Ever heard of the saying, "When in Rome...." ? It is a courthouse. They do what they do. They can't go around trying to please everyone so as to not offend people. Just swear in court. When you are somewhere else, then give your word. When you go to a foreign country, you don't expect them to speak your language do you? No - you speak the language of the country you are in. That's how it is with court. There are procedures & rules to follow in the courtroom. If you follow them, you will be fine. If you don't, well, it just won't bode well for you.
2007-02-22 04:20:42 · answer #6 · answered by Chimichanga to go please!! 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Something along the same lines of atheists having no problem with carrying around a bunch of paper in their pockets bearing the words "In God We Trust."
2007-02-22 04:24:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because we are a nation "under God" and "In God we trust"
If a atheist goes to court, because he or she dont believe in God, he or she should'nt have a problem swearing
2007-02-22 04:24:50 · answer #8 · answered by dreamer20692000 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You don't have to swear on the Bible if you don't believe its validity. For those who choose not to use the Bible, you just swear to tell the truth, so help you.....
2007-02-22 07:12:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Good question. Probably they should swear over the constitution or the laws, and not over the bible.
2007-02-22 04:26:12 · answer #10 · answered by alegrettt 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋