and the judge asks you to pick up the bible and swear on it, Im curious as to what you would do and say to the judge?
2007-12-29 16:40:15 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I'm not an atheist, but I would imagine they'd go ahead and swear on the Bible, as instructed, and then feel free to lie all they want!
May God bless you!
Happy New Year!
2007-12-29 16:45:52 · answer #1 · answered by Rick K 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Welcome to the 21st Century.
Hello?
There is nowhere in American courts where "swearing on a bible" is used anymore. Nor is "swearing to god" used.
If a witness wishes to use a bible or other religious text, one will be provided.. Otherwise, one only swears to tell the truth, the whole truth.....on his/her honor.
That "bible" business was done away with a long time ago.
Not even the Presidential oath requires one....here:
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."
Swearing to some god thingie is a matter of personal choice only.
2007-12-30 15:01:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Swearing on a bible is no longer normal practice in most States. The normal language these days is "I swear or affirm..."
Note that even people who don't take an oath (Some religious groups have objections) can still be convicted of perjury if they lie.
Richard
2007-12-30 00:46:50 · answer #3 · answered by rickinnocal 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As it is not worth the hassle, or the bias and bigotry, most atheists I know would swear on whatever they asked us to.
The important aspect of this is that you swear to tell the truth. Who cares if it is "on a bible" or not.
I've never met a true Christian who would lie in court rather there was a bible or not.
But know many fake ones, that would lie to their preacher or their mother and not bat an eye.
2007-12-30 00:52:02 · answer #4 · answered by Gem 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am not an atheist, but the court recognize religious dissent
and should not require placing the hand on a religious document. What the courts really want is a statement that you acknowledge legal responsibility for your testimony.
By the way, the reason we hold up our right hand is because, a few centuries ago, it was common practice to brand a "T" for thief or "P" for purjurer on that hand. Raising the right hand would show the world your legal history.
2007-12-30 01:15:52 · answer #5 · answered by carterchas 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If I was in Arkansas and I was asked to swear on a Bible, in Saudi Arabia and asked to swear on a Koran, in Israel and asked to swear on a Torah, or in Panama and asked to swear on a shrunken head - I would do it. It is paramount that you respect the foundational fundamental belief system that established the culture that you are being tried in if you wish to experience any success.
2007-12-30 00:52:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As an agnostic, I would inform the judge of that, and tell him I dont have to believe in fairy tales to be an honest and moral person.
Actually, courts get that all the time, and dont require a bible oath.
2007-12-30 00:50:24 · answer #7 · answered by photoguy_ryan 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You don't have to swear on the bible, you just swear to tell the truth.
2007-12-30 00:47:46 · answer #8 · answered by Honey__Bear 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋