Person's opposed to swearing in an oath may say instead solemnly what?

Answer 1

Most states offer an alternative oath especially when swearing in while giving evidence or as a member of a jury. Each state is different in the wording of their oaths but rather than saying "so help me God," the oath commonly refers to severe civil and criminal ramifications for lying.

Answer 2

They may use the words "I Affirm" as in "I Affirm the testimony I am about to give is the truth, the whole truth ......"

In many court and other procedural manuals, the 'boilerplate' will say... "Do you, ______________, swear or affirm that the testimony you are about to give is the truth, etc. "

It is for people who do not believe in God or a Supreme Being or a Organized Religion or feel that "swearing" to god is blasphemous, to preserve their freedom of religion but still being put in an "under oath" (i.e. prosecutable or penalizable for lying) status.

Answer 3

If you are referring to being sworn for testimony before a court or Congress, I would say "My conscience prohibits me from the swearing of oaths, but I will affirm that my testimony will be truthful to the best of my ability." I believe this type of statement is generally accepted in courts of the United States, due to 1st Amendment protections.

Answer 4

The alternative is to say that you "solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare and affirm that the statements made by you are true and correct." This probably varies by local law though.