I swear.....

[angeldraws]

What would be the procedure in a court of law if an atheist was giving evidence? i.e. they wouldn't swear on the holy bible/almighty god, would they? Would it be considered against the law to give evidence without swearing it on the bible/almighty god??? TIA

[Pippa68]

I am pretty sure there is another way, besides using the bible, to swear someone in.

[Suzyboo]

They affirm or give an oath instead. There are a range of acceptable options they may choose from according to their beliefs

[angeldraws]

Thanks guys - can you tell me what these options are...?

[Pippa68]

You can affirm (non religious) or request your Holy book attached to your religion.

I believe you must request this in advance, so that the court can prepare your oath card and provide the book if needed.

[angeldraws]

Thanks Pippa - but what i'm really getting at is what if you don't believe in anything like that, at all?? would you still be able to give evidence?

[Grunty]

The wording is: I --[name]-- do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that the evidence I shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. The words are usually printed on the reverse of the card bearing the oath. This affirmation is also often used by followers of other religions. This is considered preferable to people smashing saucers and saying "If I tell a lie, may my heart break into as many pieces".

[Pippa68]

Yes ...what Grunty has said :o)

[tigerthecat]

I'm an atheist and gave evidence in a trial and said as I went into court that it wouldn't mean anything to me to swear on the bible, i had to affirm and it was on the reverse of the 'swear' card. It was pretty scary stuff.

[Beanmistriss]

What about Catholics? Can they take the oath, lie in court and then tell what they did at confession? Does the oath overide the cocnfession afterwards?

[Pippa68]

Do Catholics have a different bible?

[Beanmistriss]

I don't know. I just mean that you can confess your sins as a catholic can't you. So would god say well you took the oath and lied, but I won't forgive you at confession cos the oath is most important or would god say ok well you lied under oath but you've confessed it and done your hail mary's so come on up!

I'm not trying to provoke anyone or seem ignorant, just was curious to know :)

[samuel23]

I don't know the answer beany, but it's certainly an interesting dichotomy.

[Pippa68]

Oh I see what you mean now..sorry!

I don't know the answer to that ~ I suppose there would be Catholics out there who would take that approach, but there would also be many who wouldn't dare ;o)

I guess an Athiest could swear on the bible and still lie..after all, they would have nothing to fear?

[angeldraws]

Hmmm, interesting supposition Pippa.......