I completely sympathize with this woman. For work I am often called upon to testify and I find myself feeling obligated to swear under oath. If I admit I’m atheist, I fear the jury will side with the plaintiff and I could potentially lose our case as a defendant . It’s so frustrating that in today’s court system we still swear an oath to a make-believe God.
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In courts in Australia you do NOT need to swear on Oath on the Bible, you CAN legally attest and Affirm to the evidence, etc, you are about to give as an Atheist and upon your own word of Honour.
I've done a number of times with no problems what-so-ever at all.
Triphid
Level 9
Apr 6, 2019
2
In the State of Iowa the oath you take before testifying in court is “ Do you affirm the testimony you are about to give is the truth?”
Oldcurmudgeon
Level 6
Apr 6, 2019
3
I refuse take an oath on the bible or otherwise. Are Quaker's testimony taken less seriously than others because they will only affirm tell the truth? NO! How do you expect things change if you don't stand up for your values? Are legislators any more courageous?
Theresa_N
Level 8
Apr 6, 2019
1
I guess it’s easy for some to judge, but I worked too hard in my career and already have strikes against me that have made it difficult climbing the corporate ladder. The last thing I need is something else preventing me from achieving my goals. Once I retire that will be a entirely different story. I know many stand on their convictions, however when you have financial obligations and a family to support, self preservation is all you consider.
I agree that this is a conundrum for you or any of us. My 2 cents...you need to be pragmatic and do what is right for your job/client. Otherwise it can get complicated... Do you have to warn your client of what you will do and the potential impact to the verdict? It would be different if the only possible individual that could be harmed is you. However, there are venues ( legislation?) that can be pursued to try to change the system. You have to chose your battles and this is one needs to be fought in a different venue.
Cofresi
Level 1
Apr 5, 2019
1
It seems ridiculous to me that there aren’t different faith alternatives. If you don’t fear the wrath of god for not telling the truth, why would you if telling the truth didn’t fit your agenda. Time for the US judicial system to move on I would suggest.
Geoffrey51
Level 8
Apr 5, 2019
1
Separation of church and state is a cornerstone of the foundation of the American empire, but it means nothing if it isn't supported by the public at large. The decision to believe in a certain religion should not be controversial, nor should it have any effect on the way people make moral/political choices.
Happy_Killbot
Level 7
Apr 5, 2019
1
Most places, for decades, only require you to orally state you will "tell the truth", no gawd(s) babble, quaran, or whatever is used. What backwater place is this?
AnneWimsey
Level 9
Apr 5, 2019
6
New Jersey
@Jewelee65 I think you can just quietly ask the Court Clerk.....
@AnneWimsey I was in the presence of the jury. You know and I know there would be some bible thumper appaled at my request to change the “So help me God part.” I felt it would definitely influence some people and give them cause to doubt my testimony.
@Jewelee65 you need to talk to the Clerk and/or judge before you get in front of the jury. Asking in front of the jury could cause a mistrial, for the reasons you mention. Which you should know....?
@AnneWimsey I’m not an attorney, so I wouldn’t know. Plus, it caught me off guard and it’s not like I live in the South where this would be expected. My boss was there as well, I really felt awkward and it’s not something I go around announcing, nor do I want my career affected because people still have s misconception about atheist.
@Jewelee65 I rest my case
After a minute of research I found this part is already optional.
Anyone have some more info on this?
indirect76
Level 7
Apr 5, 2019
1
Okay, but if we retreat from our beliefs for fear of the repercussions, don't we acquiesce in giving the Christian and religious world the right of way, tacit permission to continue assuming all have the same, and accept the same, beliefs?
ronhouchin
Level 3
Apr 5, 2019
2
Probably. But do I jeopardize my position and my company’s case when the mention of god should not be introduced in a court of law in the first place. I shouldn’t be placed in a position to have to choose and neither should anyone else. It’s something I will have to contest and honestly don’t know why, in this day and age this practice still exists.
Good point - and should be a reason for your state to drop the religious reference altogether in the oath.
I am happy that in my state, the oath does not include a reference to God. I live in Hawaii, and I witness my clients making an oath nearly daily when they get their marriage licenses. The are prompted to raise their right hand and then asked "Do you swear this information is the truth and nothing but the truth?" and they answer, "yes" or "I do" and that is all.
Julie808
Level 8
Apr 5, 2019
5
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