The bible and court?
So ive never been in this position. and I think about it when any tv show ends up in the court room scene
. The BIBLE and raising your hand to SWEAR to tell the truth upon it. Odd isnt it, that 1 its a fiction book. and 2 why doesnt separation of church and state happen at this level. 3 how can justice be blind if this process is started off with 1 particular group of people (christians)
how can an Atheist, Muslim, Buddhist etc swear upon this book?
can you be held in contempt if you refuse to swear upon it?
3
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8 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.I've never sworn on the bible - I simply say "I affirm that the testimony I give will be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.". It's never been an issue and as someone that has fracture more than a law or two - I've had to say this at least a 1/2 doz. times and it's not created any problems for me.
SLBushway
Level 7
May 15, 2018
0
In England, you can make a declaration that you're going to tell the truth. Seems that would be sufficient for anybody, unless only the fear of hell would make you tell the truth.
GoldenDoll
Level 7
May 4, 2018
0
The hand on the bible crap is for everyone else benefit, not for oneself if happens to be atheist or whatever. Just do your part, let them feel good about themselves and move along. Everybody wins
IamNobody
Level 8
May 3, 2018
0
No... Where is your self respect? Where does this religious strong-arming end?
Well, I am going to have to be consistent with myself, I'll do my part by just moving along and be done with it. See? Its not a big deal
You don't have to do it in UK. There's a simple declaration option. No holy book involved. Which obviously people had to ask for, so that the requirement could be changed. That's probably why you shouldn't just do it coz "it's not a big deal".
Within the past several years, I have testified in court, in NE. There was no bible involved. I just raised my right hand and swore the oath to tell the truth. In MO, one could refuse the bible, and just swear. At the time I am remembering. As to other places, I am not sure. IMO, punishment for refusing to swear on a bible is a direct violation of the separation of church and state and should be illegal.
ceraia
Level 2
May 3, 2018
1
You don't have to swear, you can affirm. This is what I did when I became a JP for my State. I was the only one affirming and asked the group, in an attempt at humour,
"Am I the only Heathen then?"
There was silence, apparently it wasn't funny 
girlwithsmiles
Level 8
May 3, 2018
4
In the US you don't have to swear oath on a bible or mention any god.
In most court rooms you'll never even see a bible.
Slappy_Longarms
Level 7
May 2, 2018
1
To my understanding you cannot get in trouble if you decline to swear upon it, and usually saying the words solemn affirmation instead would suffice.
SpikeTalon
Level 9
May 2, 2018
1
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