General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forums"So help you God"
If I have to testify in my son's death, do I have swear to god to tell the truth? Is that how they always swear witnesses in?
I don't believe in a God.
I didn't have to swear to God to serve and defend this country when I joined the Air Force.
unblock
(52,308 posts)and you can respond "i affirm" if you want to be explicit or simply "yes" or "i do" as you wish.
imho, you can even say "i affirm" if that's not given as an option.
MineralMan
(146,325 posts)The couple of times when I've testified in court, when the bailiff showed up to administer the oath, I just said, "I will affirm the oath." No Bible was presented. In all of the California courts I've been to, no Bible is used at all for oath administration.
In some jurisdictions, the bailiff may be surprised, but no oath on the Bible or phrase about God is ever required, even if the morons in that court don't understand that. Just stick to your affirmation.
astonamous
(1,336 posts)We did our depositions in California and no bible was presented and we affirmed. This was also the case when I was pulled out for a jury.
Thanks for your answer.
MineralMan
(146,325 posts)Good luck with it.
Jim__
(14,083 posts)From a 1985 article in the LA Times:
In striking down the established legal alternative to a sworn oath for those with religious objections to taking oaths of any kind, a divided three-judge 9th Circuit panel said there is no need for any formal vow of honesty before a witness testifies.
Suggesting new language for that part of courtroom ceremony still known as the "swearing in" of witnesses when religious objections arise, the 9th Circuit panel said the following phrase would be sufficient:
"I understand that I must accurately state the facts. I agree to testify under penalty of perjury. I understand that if I testify falsely, I may be subject to criminal prosecution."
...
I'm not sure of the status of this decision, or if it is now a nation wide standard.
astonamous
(1,336 posts)Recursion
(56,582 posts)Quakers and Orthodox Jews do that, too.