Why do we swear on the bible in a court of law when the bible is just a book to many?

When was the last time you were in a courtroom? The 1950s? I've never seen a modern court ask someone to swear on a Bible. And I live in the south, so if it was gonna be done, it would done here. Don't believe everything you see in the movies.

First, you're assuming the Bible is a e book of lies, which a lot of human beings might disagree with. merely by using fact which you do not discover cost in the e book does not mean anybody else feels the comparable way. 2d, the use (or not) of the Bible to swear upon is a private determination, yet it must be hardship-unfastened practice in some communities. it is historic utilization replaced into based on the honor that followers of that distinctive faith have/had for the Bible, which symbolically via extension imparts the seriousness of the oath to tell the certainty. the U. S. splendid Courts has already ruled that a guy or woman won't be able to be forced to swear on the Bible, nor be required to take an oath (in the non secular experience of the word) in any respect. The minimum requirement is that the guy verify their testimony would be genuine, and that they are attentive to the implications of perjury. Contempt of courtroom, BTW, means refusing to obey a courtroom order. It does not mean merely showing disrespect for the courtroom, apart from attorneys who've already promised to tutor appreciate for the courtroom as area of their expert oath.

The question is moot. A few minutes consideration and basic research will show this.

You are not obliged to swear an oath on the Bible if you do not wish to do so.

Historically it is used because it is the standard Holy book of Christianity, which is the dominant religion of western nations.

You can choose any holy book that suits your religion, or you can just Affirm to tell the truth without a book at all.

Outside of Hollywood movies, this isn't done anymore and hasn't been for a long time.

I've been on jury duty for a couple of trials now, and had to watch quite a few while waiting for my trials to be called and I've never seen anyone swear on a bible. They're asked to affirm they'll tell the truth and that is all.

In the UK at least it is your choice - you can swear on the Bible, or on another Holy Book if you are of a different faith, or you can make a solemn promise to tell the truth which doesn't bring god into it at all. I would be surprised if people in the USA do not have the same options.

That's true. Swearing on the Bible is actually unfair to Christians because they are the only ones who take it seriously.

As an atheist, I would have no qualms about perhaps enhancing the truth after I swore on a Bible.

I wonder if the Islamic Boston bomber will be asked to swear on the Bible during his trial?

It doesn't matter because it is the symbolism that matters. The person that swears to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Does so because they can get in just as much time perjuring themselves on the witness stand as the original crime, and they get caught often.

The Bible is used as a reference of truth and honesty..

You are watching too much TV. US courts don't regularly use bibles for the swearing in for witnesses and haven't for decades.

I know. its silly. Last time I was in court they gave me a bible to swear on and I wouldnt take it..I just swore without it.