I’ve served on juries and they just had us sign a form that said “swear or affirm” Go do your civic duty.

I've done jury duty. I did not put my hand on a bible and swear to "god".
You can just say you object to being sworn in on a bible, that's not illegal,
and you cannot be arrested.

You can simply affirm that you will do your duty, and be truthful.
Take a breath. You'll be okay.

You do not have to place your hand on a Bible. Where did you get that idea? Witnesses are sworn and they don't have to use a Bible either. They need only affirm that they will tell the truth. If you do not show up a bench warrant may well be issued against you.

The U.S. Constitution prohibits a religious test for public office in Article 6: "no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust." Judicial decisions apply. The U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling in Torcaso v. Watkins, 367 U.S. 448 (1961), in a case brought by a nonbeliever in Maryland who was given a religious oath when he applied to become a notary public. The Supreme Court ruled that the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which is applied to state and local governments by Amendment 14, prohibits government was forcing a person to profess a belief in God or in any religion as a condition of obtaining public services or benefits. Despite the Torcaso decision, a few states are holdouts and have retained unconstitutional religious tests for public office, for jury duty, etc. However, there have been a variety of lower-court decisions on the matter, including People v. Velarde, 616P.2d 104 (1980), in which the Colorado Supreme Court held that, although jurors are required to state affirmations, they are not required to swear an oath to a god.

When I was a juror recently, the oath was secular, and there was no Bible involved.

I have served on jury many times...no Bible...tell the court clerk ahead of time if you are concerned...

I did it last year. No bibles were used nor harmed.

It’s not requirement to lay your hand on the bible and swear an oath, but it is to attend court on response a summons to do so. In any case swearing on a bible would have no real significance even if you did have to...it’s just a book, pretend it’s Grimm’s Fairy Tales.

Jury duty is an obligation, like paying taxes, that comes with civilization. In Mass, you'll be arrested for blowing it off, even if you're a judge. I don't think that you'll have to place your hand on a bible if you object.

If I was on trial, I would want Atheists jurors on my panel!!!

I have served on both local and Federal juries here in Philadelphia, and had only to affirm. The bible was not used.

Just show up and do your duty. And remember: If the accused is black, latino, woman, atheist, gay, transgender, hippie or democrat, vote "not guilty".

You are not required to put your hand on a bible, swear to god, etc. It's a popular misunderstanding.

I go to court often, only asked to say I will tell the truth. there isnt even a bible in the table. I am always glad there is water, though.

You actually think you have to swear on a bible?

Seriously?

Don't have to put your hand on the bible.

The was no Bible involved when I did jury duty.

It is very important to uphold the right and honor of executing one's civic duty. Placing one's hand on the bible is only a minor inconvenience.,

When I was sworn in as a lawyer, I asked not to have a bible present, nor to say, "so help me God." "Because," I said, "I am an atheist." The judge who swore me in accommodated my wishes.

In UK there is no swearing on the bible/qoran etc you just swear to tell the truth.

Our courts have made provisions so you don’t need to swear on a bible, but when you go to the grocery store you will be using currency that states that you trust in a god.

Of course you have to do your civic duty if you want the civic benefits. And if you care about swearing on a bible you’re not really an atheist you are just an argumentative pedant. An explanation of your situation would be sufficient without creating drama!

there is no requirement to put your hand on a bible. every court lets you affirm, without any religious reference.

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Btw I am fairly sure swearing in is for witnesses not jurors.

I never actually got to sit for jury duty - and now I never will (medical exemption - I can't sit that long). And I really wanted to! It kind of looked interesting?

Now call your courthouse tomorrow and find out. No sense getting in trouble if you're mistaken.

Why not? We're more likely to care about the facts than those who aren't. Having dealt with the law from time to time (not me), you don't have to put your hand on a bible. Nor are you required to say, "So help me god."