Why should I swear on anything as obscene as the Buy Bull when I can swear on something as erudite as Karl Popper's "Logic of Scientific Discovery"?
All oath swearing should be barred as a superstitious relic.
Perhaps a signed statement (pre-printed) to tell "the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, under pain of the full force of law" should replace it.
Agree!
Kind of like the Miranda Rights. Your laying on the ground half beaten to death and they tell you you have the right to remain silent.
Why should I be asked to swear at all ? Is the state saying that all its citizens, including me, are habitual liars ? And what worth is swearing ?
If the state holds the power to punish you should you be found lying. Then why should you not be asked to simply repeat a line saying something like. "I understand and accept that failing to tell the truth, and the whole truth, in a court of law, is a serious matter, and that the state may punish me, if I am found to be lying." Surely that would be much better.
( I would also if I had my way, add that. "I understand that a court of law is not in any way a church, and there is no bonus for claiming the biggest fibs." But I don't think that they would go for that ! )