Can you refuse to swear on a Bible?

Originally Answered: Can you refuse to swear on the Bible? In court, one can refuse to “swear” on anything, but “affirm” that what you are testifying to is the whole truth. This places one under possible penalty of perjury if one is found to lie. “Affirm” just means the same thing, in effect.

Do you have to say so help me God?

Normally, it is not required to be said if the speaker has a personal or moral objection, as is true of all oaths administered by the United States government. However, a change in October 2013 to Air Force Instruction 36-2606 made it mandatory to include the phrase during Air Force enlistments/reenlistments.

What hand do you swear on the Bible with?

In the United States, Bibles are not used when you swear an oath to tell the truth in court. You don’t put your left hand on anything at all. You raise your right hand when you take the oath because the right hand is used for oath-taking in western tradition. Courts …

What do you say when you put your hand on the Bible in court?

Oath: I swear by [substitute Almighty God/Name of God (such as Jehovah) or the name of the holy scripture] that the evidence I shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Do you have to put your hand on a Bible in court?

Swearing an Oath on the Bible Is Not Required Court scenes in American movies, television, and books typically show people swearing an oath to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Typically, they do so by swearing an oath “to God” with a hand on the Bible.

Do you have to swear an oath to God in court?

When you need to give testimony in court, are you required to swear an oath on the Bible? This is a common question among atheists and non-Christians. In general, it is not required by law. Instead, you can “affirm” to tell the truth.