The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux) - Page 200

Alex · 12-07-2006, 12:44 PM

While some jurisdictions may still offer the use of a bible for swearing in (I just asked a PD lawyer friend of mine and she says she's never been in a courtroom that ever uses a bible or any other prop) there is no jurisdiction where it would be required to swear on a bible and the option to simply affirm to tell the truth is the standard so far as I know.

Strangler Lewis · 12-07-2006, 12:47 PM

I believe (but am not positive) that the "or afffirm" option was not originally designed as an accommodation to non-believers, but rather as an accommodation to those whose religious beliefs prohibit the taking of oaths.

Alex · 12-07-2006, 12:55 PM

The Constitution repeatedly refers to "oath or affirmation" so I guess it goes back to English common law.

Strangler Lewis · 12-07-2006, 01:02 PM

And the final word on the subject. Or at least the faithful word.

http://www.thefaithfulword.org/oaths.html

Not Afraid · 12-07-2006, 03:23 PM

It seems silly to require a non believer to swear on a bible. That would be akin to me swearing on Barney.

Gemini Cricket · 12-07-2006, 03:24 PM

I would love to be sworn into office with my hand on a Mad Magazine. That would be so funny.

Not Afraid · 12-07-2006, 03:42 PM

I've been without TV, radio and computer for the bulk of the last week. My knowledge that something new happened this morning came in the form of 3 separate people (unknown to one another) saying "Can the President look any dumber?"

Alex · 12-07-2006, 03:47 PM

I'm not seeing anything at CNN. What did Bush do to look stupid?

Not Afraid · 12-07-2006, 03:51 PM

These similar comments were all in response to the Iraq report. Not having read it, I'm not quite sure how he looks so dumb from my own POV.

Alex · 12-07-2006, 04:01 PM

Ah. When you said "something new happened this morning" I thought you meant that something new had happened this morning.

12-07-2006, 12:44 PM	#1991
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	While some jurisdictions may still offer the use of a bible for swearing in (I just asked a PD lawyer friend of mine and she says she's never been in a courtroom that ever uses a bible or any other prop) there is no jurisdiction where it would be required to swear on a bible and the option to simply affirm to tell the truth is the standard so far as I know.
	Submit to Quotes

12-07-2006, 12:47 PM	#1992
Strangler Lewis Doing The Job Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: In a state Posts: 3,956	I believe (but am not positive) that the "or afffirm" option was not originally designed as an accommodation to non-believers, but rather as an accommodation to those whose religious beliefs prohibit the taking of oaths. __________________ Live now-pay later. Diner's Club!
	Submit to Quotes

12-07-2006, 12:55 PM	#1993
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	The Constitution repeatedly refers to "oath or affirmation" so I guess it goes back to English common law.
	Submit to Quotes

12-07-2006, 01:02 PM	#1994
Strangler Lewis Doing The Job Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: In a state Posts: 3,956	And the final word on the subject. Or at least the faithful word. http://www.thefaithfulword.org/oaths.html __________________ Live now-pay later. Diner's Club!
	Submit to Quotes

12-07-2006, 03:23 PM	#1995
Not Afraid HI! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 17,108	It seems silly to require a non believer to swear on a bible. That would be akin to me swearing on Barney.
	Submit to Quotes

12-07-2006, 03:24 PM	#1996
Gemini Cricket ... Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 13,244	I would love to be sworn into office with my hand on a Mad Magazine. That would be so funny.
	Submit to Quotes

12-07-2006, 03:42 PM	#1997
Not Afraid HI! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 17,108	I've been without TV, radio and computer for the bulk of the last week. My knowledge that something new happened this morning came in the form of 3 separate people (unknown to one another) saying "Can the President look any dumber?"
	Submit to Quotes

12-07-2006, 03:47 PM	#1998
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	I'm not seeing anything at CNN. What did Bush do to look stupid?
	Submit to Quotes

12-07-2006, 03:51 PM	#1999
Not Afraid HI! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 17,108	These similar comments were all in response to the Iraq report. Not having read it, I'm not quite sure how he looks so dumb from my own POV.
	Submit to Quotes

12-07-2006, 04:01 PM	#2000
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	Ah. When you said "something new happened this morning" I thought you meant that something new had happened this morning.
	Submit to Quotes