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Traditionally, it was your right hand for cultural reasons. I do not believe that Bibles are used for this purpose any more. I personally appeared as a witness twice (in NY) and both times I was asked to swear to tell the truth. No Bible was presented and I was not asked to raise my hand.
What else can I help you with?
Can a person refuse to tell the truth in court?
Yes, a person can refuse to swear on the Bible in court. The person should notify the Court in advance since it's a change of procedure. The Court will then have the person simply raise their right hand and swear to tell the truth. Most courts in the United States no longer use a Bible during swear-in of a witness, citing separation of Church and State in due process.
When do you start using Bible in court?
If you are a Christian or a Jew, you may be asked to swear an oath on the Bible before giving evidence, saying that the evidence you give will be wholly truthful. Usually, if there is a court recess during your evidence, you would not be asked to swear a new oath on the Bible, but you may be informed that the oath you have already given continues to apply. If you are not a Christian you do not need to use the Bible, but may ask to give an affirmation instead of a religious oath. Muslims may swear by the Koran in some jurisdictions.
What books can US presidents swear on?
The president is not required to use a book as part of the swearing in ceremony, but most put their hand on a Bible. Pierce used a law book.
When in court do you need a sworn statement?
No you don't.In many courts, the UK included, it is normal to swear an oath on the bible or otherwise swear a declaration.For religious reasons, an atheist can make a promise and does not need to use a bible at all.Also, for religious reasons, some Christians refuse to swear an oath because the bible instructs not to swear and they are able to make a promise before God.For others with religious beliefs that are non Christian, courts have forms of promise that are acceptable to them.All countries and all courts have their own rules and guidelines.
When you ut right hand on bible in court what is the part you say?
It depends which country you're in - In america, the clerk quotes the phrase "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God" - to which the person in the witness box responds "I do." In the UK, the person in the witness box is asked their religion, and given an appropriate card to read. For example - if the witness is a Christian - they read out loud from a card "I swear by almighty God that the evidence I shall give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."
Is the Bible the only book to swear in presidents?
Swearing in presidents using only a bible is a tradition. There is no law saying that they must use a bible.
Does it go against the Bible to swear?
It says "thou shalt not use the Lord's name in Vail". So as long as your not in colorado, you swear like rapper.
How many president's did not use the bible to be sworn in to the office of president?
The custom was started by Washington and most of them laid their hand on a Bible while taking the oath. Three exceptions have been noted - T. Roosevelt raised his hand in the air while taking the oath,although I think a Bible was present. Coolidge was sworn in by father at home and did not put his hand on a Bible even though one was on a nearby table. Lyndon Johnson, who had an emergency swear-in in a plane, laid his hand on a book which turned out to be a Catholic prayer book instead of a Bible.
What was the Supreme Court ruling on the use of Bible oath in court proceedings?
The Supreme Court ruled that using the Bible for oaths in court proceedings is not required and individuals can choose to affirm instead.
What was Michelle Obama holding during inaugartaion?
She was holding the Lincoln Bible that her husband would use to swear his oath of office upon.
Why use the Bible in court?
The bible is used because Christianity is the majority in the US. However, most courts are swearing the oath without the bible now. The ACLU and other groups that advocate for separation of church and state are continually challenging the use of the bible in public courts. If you are asked to swear an oath on the bible, and you are not Christian, you should refuse to swear on the bible.Answerbecause for 2,000 years the bible has been a benchmark for echical conduct and appropriate interpersonal dealings. when used properly and in context, it provides the answers that some people haven't been raised to understand. many people don't know that things like "the golden rule" are direct quotes from the bible. if you had ever read the whole thing, you may be able to understand why it is so usefull in situations of conflict.
Why do people swear on the Bible in court but yet the court turns around and disobey the Bible by killing people when they are put on death row?
The bible is considered to be a holy book by many. A testifier in court is (often) required to pledge that his testimony is honest by 'swearing an oath' on the bible. Governments make laws to protect good people from bad people. (See Romans ch 13) If someone is a murderer, parts of the bible say that a murderer should be put to death. This is not something that an ordinary citizen should do himself, by taking the law into his own hands. So, in many countries, but not all, the government takes upon themselves this weighty responsibilty. The bible is a very comprehensive book, covering many subjects. It also contains laws and principles for many situations. There is no law anywhere in the USA (neither on the state,federal or local level) that requires you to swear an oath on the bible or on any other religious book what so ever...Nor are you required by law to swear any oath that makes reference to a religious deity... Hence why all courts now have a general oath that excludes "so help you god" and the use of the bible is completely optional...
