Posted on 07/02/2005 6:40:17 AM PDT by canalabamian
My wife and I were just discussing the erosion of Christian values throughout the country, namely the decision to ban the Ten Commandments from the courtroom. Has there been an attempt to remove the Bible from the courtroom?
As far as I know, swearing to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, with a hand on the Bible is still the practice. Interesting that this practice has yet to be attacked as a violation of Separation of Church and State.
I don't believe you are required to swear with your hand on the bible and I think that is the difference at the moment.
I don't think it ever will. Not when they are pushing to get the Koran in there as well. At least I dont think the Libs have progressed to that point yet.
I honestly don't think it is a winnable case for the Liberals to take up at this point and time....
My understanding is that the practice is witness-specific. Christians swear on the Bible, Jews on the Torah, Muslims on the Koran, etc. IOW, your own Holy Book.
And, of course, the Constitution specifically permits a person to refuse to "swear" on anything, and to merely affirm their truthfulness.
I was just in court yesterday, and I was told to raise my right hand. He said
"do you swear that the testimony you are about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth"
That's where it ended. I thought about answering "So help me God", but chose to play it safe and say "yes, your honor".
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