I mean, what if one is atheist, agnostic, buddhist, muslim, pagan...?
2007-08-25 14:14:48 · 10 answers · asked by Rock S 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
You are under oath and must tell the truth whether you are atheist, agnostic, buddhist, muslim, pagan
2007-08-25 14:18:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Not a problem. Swearing an oath on the Bible is an age-old legal tradition, but it was never a requirement. All you have to do is affirm that you will tell the truth. All the courts I've seen (especially in the conservative South) have a big Bible sitting there with "In God We Trust" emblazoned on the wall behind the judge's bench, but it looks like a lot of them are finally doing away with those customs. And good for them, I say. It's supposed to be a courtroom, not a church.
2007-08-26 00:40:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I usually testify in Court about once a week, on average, as a Probation Officer. Since I am testifying, I have to be sworn in by the judge, and I've never had to put my hand on a bible. We don't even have a bible in our court room. (I asked) I'm an agnostic, so I wouldn't have wanted to testify on a bible anyway.
Personally, I think we should swear on the Constitution of the United States.
2007-08-25 23:55:24 · answer #3 · answered by Mama Pastafarian 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is absolutely NOT TRUE. You do NOT have to swear to ANYTHING. You only must affirm that you will tell the truth. If you are asked to "swear" at all, say that you will only affirm to tell the truth. The court cannot command you to take ANY religious action.
2007-08-25 21:38:29 · answer #4 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most courtrooms these days have eschewed the antiquated ritual of swearing on the bible. You need only affirm that you will tell the truth.
2007-08-25 21:22:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
At the federal level, it is not required to put your hand on the bible, it has merely become a custom. People of other faiths are given the opportunity to refrain or use a book of their choice.
2007-08-25 21:18:25 · answer #6 · answered by guyster 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
When I was in court I only had to raise my right hand and tell the truth. That is all that was asked of me
2007-08-25 21:22:55 · answer #7 · answered by publius 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to swear on a bible anymore. You just have to swear to tell the truth under the penalty of perjury.
2007-08-25 21:19:10 · answer #8 · answered by Eisbär 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you swear or affirm, under penalty of perjury, etc,. etc.. no, you don't need to touch the book.
2007-08-25 21:19:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is no bible and you need not wear to "God."
2007-08-25 22:26:16 · answer #10 · answered by California Street Cop 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋