Atheists and swearing in court

[maidao2001]

I have posted this question on several forums and would like to hear if any lawyers know of any landmark cases or precedents regarding swearing on the bible to "tell the truth, the whole truth so help me god" when it comes to an atheist.
Not that having to do so has prevented anyone from lying.(Christians and non-Christians alike)
Just curious.What is the name of your state?

 

[xylene]

Atheists, like many other groups opposed to swearing on a Bible, have the option of "affirming" in court, rather than swearing.

 

[GatorLaw]

TORCASO v. WATKINS, 367 U.S. 488 (1961)
- Refusing to take oath of office that contained belief in God

Some states have enacted statutes for this very situation.
http://www.illinoislegalaid.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.dsp_content&contentID=2315

Some interesting reading on Atheists and the history of oaths
http://home.aol.com/TestOath/contents.htm

 

[You Are Guilty]

I have posted this question on several forums and would like to hear if any lawyers know of any landmark cases or precedents regarding swearing on the bible to "tell the truth, the whole truth so help me god" when it comes to an atheist.
Not that having to do so has prevented anyone from lying.(Christians and non-Christians alike)
Just curious.What is the name of your state?

Every state I know of, in both state and federal courts, permit you to swear an "oath" that doesn't reference the god or the bible or any of those icky things. I'm sure you could find out more details with about 3 seconds of work at Google.

 

[xylene]

Every state I know of, in both state and federal courts, permit you to swear an "oath" that doesn't reference the god or the bible or any of those icky things. I'm sure you could find out more details with about 3 seconds of work at Google.

An example - Friends (Quakers) don't swear.

 

[You Are Guilty]

An example - Friends (Quakers) don't swear.

True. I should have been clearer - they permit you to affirm, under penalty of perjury, before testifying. (As a practical matter, "affirm" = "swear").

This also goes for depositions, incidentally.

 

[racer72]

My state hasn't used a bible in years. You just raise your right hand, the judge asks you if you swear to tell the truth in the matter before you in this court of law. You answer yes and take a seat.