Judge ordered to return 'God' to oath

Twin Cities Pioneer Press ^ | 6/30/04

[ZGuy]

The state Supreme Court ordered a judge Tuesday to restore references to God in the oath he uses when he enters the courtroom and when witnesses swear to tell the truth.

The high court sided with angry officials from two counties who complained that District Judge James M. Honeycutt had taken it upon himself to change courtroom procedures.

The high court ordered Honeycutt to stop using a revised oath missing the phrase "so help you God," and administer the oath as spelled out in state law. The court also ordered the judge to allow bailiffs to begin court sessions with a proclamation that includes "God save the state and this honorable court."

[Millie]

GOOD!

[Jivana108]

Thank GOD for that!

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Another jurist who thinks he's a legislator.

[rwfromkansas]

Nice little slapdown.

[B4Ranch]

ping

[arly]

I hope this clown is coming up for election soon.

[Egregious Philbin]

What does an atheist do when he/she is in court?

[Liberty Valance]

"What does an atheist do when he/she is in court?"

remain quiet unless called upon like everyone else?

[Clive]

In my jurisdiction, a witness may elect to affirm instead of swear on oath. This option is not necessarily confined to athiests or agnostics. Some religions, including Christian sects, are also opposed to taking the oath.

I suspect the same applies in this jurisdiction because the practice was sanctioned at common law.