What do Atheists place their hands on when testifying in court?

Question

You always see in movies people placing their hand on a bible and swearing to tell the truth before taking the witness stand...
but what if they're an Atheist? I'm assuming that with other religions they will place their hands on the corresponding holy book.
So what does an Atheist swear on before testifying in court?

Answer 1

They place their hands on their backside, but first they remove their head from it.

Answer 2

Agree with Tmess2. Sure people swear on the bible, in the movies. But in real life, what I have seen is people raising their right hand and solemnly swearing to tell the truth.

I've only heard of swearing on bibles in real life when politicians are sworn into office. And some politicians, Christians even, will swear on the constitution or a law book rather than a holy book.

Answer 3

For the most part, the swearing on the Bible is just a movie prop. In every court that I have practiced in front of, witnesses are merely asked to raise their right hand and swear or affirm that they are telling the truth.

And it is not just atheists who do not believe in swearing on the bible. Several Christian denominations take seriously the admonition in the Bible against swearing on anything.

Answer 4

In most states there is an option of making an "affirmation" rather than an oath. The Constitution already expressly authorizes people not to swear at all, but to affirm, without reference to God or to a sacred work. Atheists and agnostics are protected, as well as members of certain Christian groups. However, eight states still prohibit atheists from holding government offices.

Answer 5

Well, I can't speak for all atheists, but personally, I don't mind the pledge of allegiance (under God part), and I don't mind swearing to tell the truth (so help me God). Those are just ingrained in our society, and personally, it doesn't bother me one way or another. Technically, I guess I classify myself as agnostic, because my big question is where did the energy come from in the first place that created the matter around us...God? Maybe, but I doubt it's a God that micromanages our lives, and cares whether we swear or break the commandments or whatever. I just try to be the best person I can be...without the need for the fear of God to help me out. I feel sorry for people that only can be "scared" into being good because they think God is gonna send them to hell.

Answer 6

People do not swear on the bible anymore. You need to learn from reality, not movies.

And when I have been to court, I chose to affirm, not swear. It is an option available in all 50 states. I have done so both as juror and as witness.

Answer 7

They are allowed to solemnly swear without touching the bible. They have however just lost a lot of credibility with most Americans. At last poll, most still believe in God, even those that live like the devil.

Answer 8

I would think the constitution. If I were a prosecutor and an Atheist swore to tell the truth on the bible, then I would use it against that person to discredit him/her and show that person is a liar.

Answer 9

You don't have to place your hand on the Bible when testifying in court if you don't want to.

Answer 10

might this be going on interior the Deep South or on some nostalgic action picture set? I have not got any subject with putting my hand on in spite of holy e book is needed if it helped me, yet that doesn't advise I assent to its content fabric.

Answer 11

I didn't know you needed anything tangible in order to tell the Truth . if the lawyer thinks a lie has Ben told, sed lawyer would attack the witnesses character.