The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

Nephythys · 12-07-2006, 12:33 PM

Do courts still use a Bible for swearing in?

Ghoulish Delight · 12-07-2006, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nephythys

Do courts still use a Bible for swearing in?

The rules vary state-by-state. I believe the most common setup is the choice of "the bible or no sacred text at all," but I don't have anything to support that.

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

12-07-2006, 12:33 PM	#1
Nephythys Yeah, that's about it- Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: In a state of constant crap to get done Posts: 2,688	Do courts still use a Bible for swearing in?
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12-07-2006, 12:44 PM	#3
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.
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12-07-2006, 12:47 PM	#4
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!
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12-07-2006, 12:55 PM	#5
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.
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12-07-2006, 01:02 PM	#6
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