Do non-christians have to swear in court?

[Martin]

Do they still have to take an oath with one hand on the bible, even though its meaningless to them?

just wondering

 

[rahvin]

Originally posted by: MartyTheManiak
Do they still have to take an oath with one hand on the bible, even though its meaningless to them?

just wondering

You swear to tell the truth, but you don't use a book or reference to a diety if you don't choose to.

 

[bGIveNs33]

I don't believe they do the whole "hand on bible" thing anymore. I know when I was an atty at Teen Court, they didn't do that, or say "so help you God".

-Billy

 

[Mr N8]

Well, according to James 5, in the very book they swear on, it says to swear by nothing. Simply let your yes be yes, and your no, no. So, should Christians put there hand on th Bible, or simple say that they will tell the truth?

 

[notfred]

Why do they do that at all. If they actually beleived you when you said that, they'd just make the defendant swaer to tell the truth, ask him if he's guilty, and then proceed to sentancing. It's obvious they put no weight on the oath, so why do they require it?

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

I know in the military and many other courts, the witness has the right to "affirm" that he will tell the truth, without swearing to God. I have never seen anyone request this, and frankly I hope if I ever do it is not my witness, because I doubt it would play well to a jury.

 

[xospec1alk]

i always thought that is wasn't taken seriously...

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Originally posted by: notfred
Why do they do that at all. If they actually beleived you when you said that, they'd just make the defendant swaer to tell the truth, ask him if he's guilty, and then proceed to sentancing. It's obvious they put no weight on the oath, so why do they require it?

The defendant cannot be compelled to testify at all, much less compelled to admit his own guilt, per the Fifth Amendment.

 

[MJ99]

Originally posted by: MogulMonster
Well, according to James 5, in the very book they swear on, it says to swear by nothing. Simply let your yes be yes, and your no, no. So, should Christians put there hand on th Bible, or simple say that they will tell the truth?

Christians shound NOT swear on the Bible. If ever asked you just say you Affirm. The court is supposed to ask if you swear or affirm.