do they have to swear on the bible?
2007-11-02 12:43:25 · 13 answers · asked by j c 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
unfortunately, yes
makes absolutely no sense to me
2007-11-02 12:45:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Swearing on a bible hasn't been a requirement for many years. One MAY use a bible if he wants to but it is not offered.
Not even the Presidential oath requires a bible.....
Each president recites the following oath, in accordance with Article II, Section I of the U.S. Constitution:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
All that bible crapola is simply a matter of choice. It is meaningless to one who doesn't adhere to it's tenents.
2007-11-02 18:27:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. It is an important institution on which American justice is founded on. Atheist does not necessarily swear by God that he will tell the truth, but swears more on the institutions and history of the court and the justice system to tell the truth and cooperate fully to get a matter resolved.
2007-11-02 12:48:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In 33 years testifying in State and Federal Courts I have never been asked to swear on a Bible. We are asked to swear or affirm. Criminal perjuries for perjury apply.
2007-11-02 13:02:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In the state I live in, it is required in our courts...
How ever, in the case of an atheist...although they may go through the motions, it would be a moot point.
The courts would have to rely on the atheist own sense of honesty to prevent them from lying under oath....
that and the threat of a perjury conviction.
2007-11-02 12:53:33 · answer #5 · answered by Lilliput1212 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most courts do not use Bibles these days, at least in the US. And if they do, an oath may be substituted by an affirmation.
2007-11-02 12:46:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
depends. It is the oath, not the Bible that is legally binding. Many courts have done away with the bible thing.
2007-11-02 12:53:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
no they dont they have to just swear to tell the truth.
2007-11-04 06:01:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, we are allowed to 'affirm' instead of swear.
2007-11-02 12:49:27 · answer #9 · answered by B.Kevorkian 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO ONE HAS TO SWEAR ON ANYTHING!!!
Infact, they can't even ask you to "Swear". They can ONLY ask you if you "swear & affirm to tell the truth" or if you "affirm to tell the truth".
It is absolutely Objectionable if you are asked to swear on ANYTHING. It is also objectionable if you are asked only to "swear"; no 'affirm' word is present.
2007-11-02 12:46:54 · answer #10 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋