I ask because I've been a witness in a trial and there was none of that. It was just, "Raise your right hand. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"
No "So help you God" no hand on the Bible.
Does this vary by state or something?
2007-06-04 01:59:11 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
This was in Colorado.
2007-06-04 01:59:54 · update #1
Using a bible would obviously be a violation of the Establishment Clause and violate constitutional rights. I think more people are becoming sensitive to that. Clearly if the bible is used it violates the rights of non-christians to equal protection under the law.
2007-06-04 02:06:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does vary by state. Very few places use a Bible anymore. I just did jury duty in Texas and they don't use it either. I was also a witness in PA and no Bible there either.
2007-06-04 02:03:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are options other than the Bible to be sworn in on, and they'll generally be able to accomodate any religion. I've seen atheists sworn in the way you describe, but with all of the religious PC stuff going on, maybe they've made that the standard now in some states.
2007-06-04 02:03:01 · answer #3 · answered by They call me ... Trixie. 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Same procedure in Mississippi as in Colorado. I don't think a Bible is used anymore.
2007-06-04 02:02:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Here in IL it has been So Help You, God. But I was selected as a juror, and the oath had the option to use the word affirm.
2007-06-04 02:06:15 · answer #5 · answered by RB 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes probably. The real question is, does it make any difference, like magic of god brings out truth from criminals mouth or something?
2007-06-04 02:02:28 · answer #6 · answered by X Theist 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it varies by state.
2007-06-04 02:06:10 · answer #7 · answered by LabGrrl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bible belt still uses it, but it does vary.
2007-06-04 02:03:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the procedure isnt used in mississippi anymore..i doubt it's used anywhere..THANK GODDESS
This is a democratic republic, not a theocracy
2007-06-04 02:03:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋