Just curious
2007-08-04 08:37:09 · 12 answers · asked by Hiram Abiff 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Most courts now a days do not use a bible or any other sort of religious tome to swear upon. The question is asked as such, "Do solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you are about to give is the truth?"
2007-08-04 14:23:12 · answer #1 · answered by Tim the Enchanter 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, the Bible part is just a legal tradition and is considered completely optional. The Constitution recognizes that not everybody who goes to court is a Christian, and there are even a few Christian denominations who don't believe in swearing oaths due to their interpretation of certain scriptural verses. You only have to affirm that you will tell the truth. Personally, I think this practice is pretty redundant because if somebody is willing to lie in court, than an oath won't mean anything to him anyway. The same principle applies to presidential inaugurations as well, although there hasn't been a President yet who refused to place his hand on the Bible.
2007-08-04 20:04:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO ONE is required to place there hand on anything when taking the oath to tell the truth. Many courts don't even ask. You are allowed to "affirm" if your have objections to "swearing". The phrase "so help me God" is also optional.
responder: Stated that the New testament prohibits taking an oath. This is one interpretation of Mathew 5:34. Many do not believe the verse applies to legal procedures. However, the law does accommodate these who do.
2007-08-04 17:37:12 · answer #3 · answered by STEVEN F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, they do not have to swear on the Bible.
However, a person will be required to publicly affirm his solemn agreement to tell the truth if he objects to swearing an oath. This affirmation does not involve or require the use of a Bible.
2007-08-04 16:51:29 · answer #4 · answered by Todd 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They can opt to take an oath of affirmation.
So can Christians; some of them will not swear on the Bible, as it is a form of swearing that is rebuked in the New Testament.
2007-08-04 15:42:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
If you do not wish to 'swear' on any religious text, you can raise your right hand and 'solemnly affirm that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth". It is not an oath, but a solomn affirmation. Acceptable anywhere with the ermission of the judge (who cannot refuse).
2007-08-04 19:46:28 · answer #6 · answered by Penguin_Bob 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, everyone has to swear on the bible. It's just a tradition/process really, even Muslims and Pagans have to.
2007-08-04 16:41:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
No, they let you pick from an assortment of various other fairy tales. Personally I prefer swearing on Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter if the mood calls for it.
2007-08-04 15:42:08 · answer #8 · answered by Tom 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
that's the reason they don't make you swear on the bible anymore
2007-08-05 03:06:03 · answer #9 · answered by OperatingEngineerslocal12 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hum. thats a good one. wow you stumped me... there has got to be an athieist on her that has been to court
ohoh i just thought about it.... you just swear to tell the whole truth, not on the bible... they prolly give him a playboy to swear on!!! haha
2007-08-04 15:41:56 · answer #10 · answered by sunshine 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋