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Swearing on the bible in an Australian court?
What happens in a situation where someone has to swear on the bible that they will tell the truth in court, if they don't believe in the bible, or are an atheist? Or a pagan? Or from a religion which has no recognised specific book of religious importance?
What do they make you swear on to say you'll tell the truth?
4 Answers
- Eternal DragonLv 41 decade agoFavorite Answer
You do not have to swear on the bible
You have the option to give an affirmation, which basically is that you swear to tell the truth
Source(s): Am Australian, an atheist and going through court myself - have asked my own solicitor - H4Lv 61 decade ago
The bible thing is obsolete, I'm not sure if they do it all any more or not, but I know you definitely have the choice not to do it. You just "affirm".
And if you swore on the bible, didn't believe in it and then lied on the stand, you could still be charged with perjury for lying even if the swearing didn't mean anything to you.
- neoplopLv 71 decade ago
It's just a book. You can be charged with perjury whether or not there's a book, as you have uttered the statement that you swear you are telling the truth.
- JohnpetLv 41 decade ago
if you see the officer on duty at the court before you go in and explain to him how you feel, you will not have to swear on the bible.
