Does it somehow make justice more likely? How does it scare Christians into telling the truth, and people with other beliefs an advantage? What good is it really, other than yet another form of government supported proselytization?
2007-11-20 09:44:44 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Fortunately, I haven't been in a courtroom for 20 years. Glad it's changing.
2007-11-20 09:53:55 · update #1
You do realize that its use has been removed from practically every courtroom in the USA, right?
Its persistent use is only a TV legacy.
2007-11-20 09:51:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is more traditional than anything else. You do not have to swear on the Bible and many Christian groups refuse to do so as it says you shouldn't in the Bible. People of other religions use their own books if they choose or whatever sort of oath suits them or you may affirm. That is, you make a legal promise to tell the truth. Should you lie under oath, you can be charged with perjury.
The Bible is there because it was thought that people who believed in the Bible would be less likely to lie having taken an oath on it. This is so obviously untrue, there is no real point in continuing with it except that some juries will believe a Bible holder but treat the testimony of someone who affirms with less credence. If you are ever in court, this is a point to consider. I am an atheist but if I thought that affirming rather than swearing on the Bible would harm my case, I'd happily swear on the Bible. I'd tell the truth anyway but appearances are sometimes important.
Perhaps we should do away with all religious affectations in courts and have everyone affirm. The legal process is there for those who lie as it always has been. The only loss is a possible godly punishment that might or might not occur at a later date. As this has seldom been a deterrent, let's get rid of it altogether.
2007-11-20 17:57:46 · answer #2 · answered by tentofield 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The bible is not going to make a person tell the truth. If bibles could do this then there would be no need for perjury laws. It is only a symbolic thing. The bible in the courtroom is meaningless. The court could easily do its job without having a bible in the room.
2007-11-20 17:49:25 · answer #3 · answered by A.Mercer 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The only thing that can influence the courtroom is Truth. Good luck finding that there. It is really about, "The good old boys of the legal system brotherhood."
2007-11-20 17:50:39 · answer #4 · answered by happylife22842 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One of the commandments says," Thall shall not bear false witness," and that could be why. Other than people who believe in it, it shouldn't be in a government building in the first place being unconstitutional at tax payer expenses. It's not necessarily the governments problem, but the fundies who put it there in the first place.
2007-11-20 17:57:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It isn't. If we're going to swear on anything, why not make it a copy of the purjory law or the Constitution?
2007-11-20 17:48:50 · answer #6 · answered by OhKatie! 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Emergency lighting. If the power goes out, the Bible will glow in the dark.
2007-11-20 17:48:22 · answer #7 · answered by Potatoe Plague 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
It can be handy should you have a small person testify who requires a "booster" seat to see over the edge of the witness box...
2007-11-20 17:49:05 · answer #8 · answered by Blackacre 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Take it as a symbol. Symbols are powerful tools to convey truths and realities.
2007-11-20 17:49:13 · answer #9 · answered by Averell A 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
OOhhh HillBilly Courthouse...justice is served.
I have not see a bible in a courthouse these days.
2007-11-20 17:48:59 · answer #10 · answered by queen of snarky-yack again 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋