For example: someone who is of a different religion or has no religion and refuses to place their hand on the Christian bible.
2007-05-15 05:38:50 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
You do NOT have to place your hand on anything to swear in court. All you need to do is raise your right hand and affirm to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but.
2007-05-15 05:42:22 · answer #1 · answered by jurydoc 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
You swear on the bible (or whatever religious book is appropriate). If you do not follow any particular religion, or the Court does not have a copy of your religious text, you can just affirm: "I affirm to tell the truth..." instead of "I swear by almighty God to tell the truth..."
Last time I was in Court it was very relaxed and they even asked the person before they had to do it whether they were religious or not. You won't be placed in contempt if you tell the Court that you do not wish to swear on the bible and would prefer to affirm. You'll only be in trouble if you refuse to do either.
2007-05-15 08:05:14 · answer #2 · answered by miss_blue_47 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In all my years in court, I've never seen a Bible there, nor have I heard a person asked to swear to God that they will not give false testimony. You are "sworn" to tell the truth, but not with a Bible and a religious oath.
If you refuse, the judge can fine you, work out an oath acceptible to you, or throw you in jail until you do agree to swear the oath.
2007-05-15 07:36:20 · answer #3 · answered by mcmufin 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't think every court places it on the bible. You hold your right hand up and swear to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
2007-05-15 06:31:07 · answer #4 · answered by stormey_84074 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
they should make it something more general, like a copy of the constitution, because using the bible is very biased towards a specific religion.
2007-05-15 07:15:44 · answer #5 · answered by jaycee99999999 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can swear on anything, or nothing, as your religion requires.
Some religions don't allow swearing of oaths, so you can just "affirm".
2007-05-15 05:44:39 · answer #6 · answered by Randy G 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
it is bullsh!t you need to place your hand on the bible in courtroom. WTF is that?? it is like making you place your hand on the Sorcerer's Stone, and swearing to Harry Potter. they're the two comprehensive works of fiction.
2016-11-04 00:11:24 · answer #7 · answered by ridinger 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Then you're probably a lib and they bring out either the Koran or Das Kapital, your choice.
2007-05-15 05:46:31 · answer #8 · answered by Lavrenti Beria 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
contempt of court charges levied by judge, orders bailiff to incarcerate you until bond is set and posted
2007-05-15 05:42:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 6⤋