In court, do they make you swear on a Bible if you're an atheist?

Question

Think about it....

Answer 1

Yes, don't worry it won't burn your hand. God is loving and will embrace you. I will pray for wisdom for those people you speak of.

Answer 2

You swear on an Iron Maiden album in case you have been an Atheist. In courtroom once you swear on the bible it somewhat isn't any longer basically swearing to God particularly. in the event that they found out you're mendacity they handle you as an outlaw no longer as an atheist. Now the judges won't take your words as info basically for swearing on Bible or the different holy e book. He/she would be ready to could desire to be taught them and tell even if if or no longer they are actual or no longer. So in some courts it somewhat is nonetheless a custom not greater to swear on the Bible. And in my united states (it somewhat is basicly muslim and christian), christians swear on Bible and Muslims on the Quran.

Answer 3

For one thing how would they know that your an athiest at the trial?? and I would think so, everyone follows the same procedure in the Court Room. People will lie no matter what so it's irrelevant about swearing on the Bible!! Some people take it lightly and it dosen't mean anything anyway!!!!

Answer 4

yes. I have had to swear on the Bible and am an Atheist. It is more symbolic than "oh, I am swearing to God" that I will tell the truth. Meaning that it is more a promise to the court that I am going to be honest.

I cannot really, honestly believe that it really forces anyone to be truthful - if someone is going to lie, be them Christian or otherwise- they are going to lie. The bigger issue is purgery and the act of swearing the oath on that book is more a ritual than anything else IMO.

Answer 5

I can only speak from experience in a Coroner's Court and there you would be asked if you have any objection to swearing on the bible.

If you were anything but Christian, I would imagine that, whilst you may be content to swearing on the bible, it might not mean all that much to you . . . not quite entering in the whole spirit of the way it was intended, really!

Answer 6

not in australia. there is an alternate statement that you can read, an affirmation. i have no details as to what is actually said in an affirmation, but wikipedia has:

"In law, an affirmation is a solemn declaration allowed to those who conscientiously object to taking an oath. An affirmation has exactly the same legal effect as an oath, but is usually taken to avoid the religious implications of an oath. In some jurisdictions, it may only be given if such a reason is provided.:"

Answer 7

I have no idea why they force anyone to swear on anything. If you believe in the bible, and I do, then you know it's contrary to it's tenants to swear upon anything.

It's not like someone guilty of a crime is going to suddenly develop conscience that would send them to jail....

Perjury ... I think that law is enough to provoke truth if one was considering a falsehood.

Answer 8

No oyu are allowed to affirm . I don't know what there is to think about . If it helps someone control their self intersted tendency to lie to the court I dont care if they are asked to swear on their mothers life or little green men from Mars.Whatever works

Answer 9

A witness always has the option of taking an oath, or making an affirmation. The law holds each to be equally serious -- that is, lying under either an oath or an affirmation is considered perjury.

Answer 10

Most courts have abandoned the Bible oath for just a 'raise your right and and swear that.....'

Answer 11

I know, it is funny. But what does it really matter? You get up there and solemnly swear blah blah blah...but people lie on the stand all the time. Even Christians. It means nothing.