and you were Athiest, what do you swear on?
2007-08-17 09:50:03 · 14 answers · asked by Sir Bobby`s Hairdresser 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I was in court yesterday as a juror.
If you are an atheist then you swear an oath by what is known as an affirmation.
It basically doesn't mention 'almighty god'.
I was quite shocked that out of 12 jurors only two of us chose to make an oath through this means.
It was also rather annoying that the oath we had in front of us was the bible god oath. We actually had to ask for an affirmation to be given to us so that we could make our oath!
All the witnesses that were called made an oath to the bible god.
A very sorry state of affairs!!
Maybe they were just too shy to ask the court usher for an affirmation oath sheet.
2007-08-17 09:57:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian and am unhappy using the Holy Bible in this way. When I had to give evidence I always affirmed.
I think it runs something like this. " I ------- do Solemnly and truly affirm that I will tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth"
I'm not sure but I think the Court will allow any Oath which the witness will agree is binding. it will have the full penalties of law in the case of deliberate perjury.
A magistrate friend told me of the day some fifteen years ago that when a Chinese gentleman needed to break a cup or a bowl as part of his oath. The canteen manager would not let the Court have one and the Court had to send someone out to buy one. Of course it made a good after dinner story with some embellishment but I do not know if it was true I hope it was It could only happen in England I'm very proud to say. .
2007-08-17 10:56:14 · answer #2 · answered by Scouse 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In English law, at any rate, you "affirm", which is a formal promise similar to the oath, but without reference to swearing by God. Anyone can choose to affirm, rather than take the oath, and persons of various faiths can ask to take an oath according to their religion. The courtroom should have a copy of the Koran, New Testament etc. available if required.
As far as I can recall the affirmation is "I solemnly and sincerely declare and affirm that the evidence I shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."
2007-08-18 00:20:17 · answer #3 · answered by champer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the majority of Administrative legal proceedings in Illinois we ask the person to raise their right hand and use the words "Do you swear or affirm that the testimony you are about to give is the truth." This abbreviated form does not invoke a God, in an attempt not to offend anyone. The person is swearing on their honor that they will not lie, of course if they do lie they can be held in contempt of court.
2007-08-17 10:01:36 · answer #4 · answered by CatLaw 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You make an affirmation,
'I do solemnly and sincerely declare and afirm, that the evidence I shall give will be the truth.'
BTW the Chinese plate stories abound, one in our court where the plate was that 'unbreakable' plastic, witness had a few goes, hysterical! WRVS ladies gave us one of their saucers in the end. When I started, I was told (and it's not necessary!)that the witness should take the book (bible) in their right hand........third witness in my first trial, didn't have one!
2007-08-17 11:00:52 · answer #5 · answered by groovymaude 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there's usually 2 options in the court room, and they should ask you if you want to swear on oath or take the other option (which i forget now). that is if you are in an english court?!
2007-08-17 09:59:25 · answer #6 · answered by EM J 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
rumour because of the fact it can not be shown and must be made up for use to sway jury, decide etc. as an occasion say we are acquaintances and you're suing a creep for a ship you obtain. You in no way made a cost yet i ought to tell them in courtroom that i heard you assert on the telephone which you probably did make a cost and he suggested particular you probably did. lawyer asks...did you easily pay attention the words come from his mouth? nicely i did no longer easily pay attention him say that it become purely which you instructed me he suggested that. you have got lied to me. it ought to open up a awful can of legal worms.
2016-12-12 05:12:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the UK?
You have the choice of taking an oath on the book of holy lies of your choice, or swearing an affirmation.
Both are equally binding.
2007-08-17 09:55:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 1⤋
You dont swear on anything (bible etc) you just swear to tell the truth.
2007-08-17 09:54:07 · answer #9 · answered by K8 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
you affirm, which is a non-denominational solemn oath to tell truth
2007-08-17 23:48:51 · answer #10 · answered by vdv_desantnik 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋