on the bible to tell the truth, the whole truth or nothing but the truth, if they are not allowed to refuse this are they allowed to refuse to give evidence?
2007-06-01 02:49:24 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
I think they can swear on any book they choose. Even the phone book if nothing else. They just have to swear to tell the truth.
2007-06-01 02:52:43 · answer #1 · answered by SlickWillie 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋
By all accounts, the Bible is optional. They just need to give the oath they are going to tell the truth. It used to have the meaning that if you gave false testimony, then you were going to hell for breaking an oath to God. Now, it is only a symbolic oath between men simply giving the court the authority to punish anybody who committs perjury. (lying under oath)
2007-06-02 04:45:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to swear on the bible. You can just pledge to tell the truth and be fine.
With regard to Xmas, it is not really a religious holiday any more. Xmas is just a holiday for gathering family and exchanging gifts to show your appreciation and love for them. My children will not be taught religion or xianity, but we will still have Xmas because it is part of the American culture.
2007-06-01 02:57:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They dont swear on the bible, they just affirm to tell the truth, the whole truth etc etc
2007-06-01 02:59:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Personally I would promise to tell the truth but take a pass on laying my hand on a stack of paper. I've no doubt the perjury laws would still apply.
2007-06-01 03:13:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i'm prepared to settle for the existance of something. all I ask for is info. Even somewhat anecdotal info could be progression. no one truly cares no remember if i've got self belief or no longer in unicorns, faries or extraterrestrial beings yet point out god and it gets provided as though it replaced right into a obligatory thought. in case you are able to practice me a unicorn hoofprint i'm with you. somewhat hat got here upon interior the woods, i could purchase that yet an previous e book written by utilising the very church it truly is making an attempt to sell itself would no longer be up there with unicorn poo.
2016-10-09 06:13:16 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they can affirm. It goes like this:
"Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you give will be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?"
Note there is no "so help you God"
2007-06-01 02:58:06 · answer #7 · answered by webned 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most people take advantage of holidays, not celebrate them. If Christmas gives them a day off, why not take it?
As for the question, they could, but it would mean nothing. However, I don't think it takes being a "God-fearing Christian" to have the knowledge not to lie in court.
2007-06-01 02:54:29 · answer #8 · answered by Huey Freeman 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes,
of course they don't swear on the bible - same as muslims, hindu's, pagans, etc, etc
they swear on their honour (the court provides a card which has standard wording on it, which does not refer to a religion)
- edit: to drew blood, above
why do christians celebrate a pagan festival, with druidic decorations and elements of saturnalia.
I celebrate the xmas holidays as a trime to be with friends and family - the fact that is is called christmas means no more to me than the fact that it is the (older) pagan celebration of the rebirth of the Sun
2007-06-01 02:54:26 · answer #9 · answered by Peppers_Ghost 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It would be easier to appease the court and pretend to be religious,It's the lying to the judge that will get you in trouble, the bible thing is for the weak-minded that think God will be attending their trial, Hell,people do it everyday of their lives,and these are the people who would have you believe they "believe"....hypocrisy is alive and well....
2007-06-01 02:56:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋