Is the Bible being opened during the process in any state in USA in order to recite a quote from it or whatever? Do they swear on the open Bible or closed?
1 Answer
Is the Bible being opened during the process in any state in USA in order to recite a quote from it or whatever?
As part of the court procedure, no. I can imagine circumstances where parts of the bible (or any book) might be read into evidence or by or to witnesses as part of direct or cross examination.
Do they swear on the open Bible or closed?
Where a witness chooses to swear on a bible the bible is closed.
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You could swear or affirm on an issue of playboy as far as the law is concerned.– ViktorCommented Oct 28, 2015 at 21:50
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2@victor No, swearing is a religious oath - Christians swear on the Bible, Muslims swear to Allah (not on the Quran) etc. Affirmations is not a religious practice and are not made on a text. As far as I know, Playboy is not the sacred text of any religion.– Dale M ♦Commented Oct 28, 2015 at 22:02
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Not in the United States. You have freedom of religion. They cannot make you swear on those books– ViktorCommented Oct 28, 2015 at 22:14
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3@Victor Do you not understand what "chooses" means? If you choose to swear on the Bible, then you use a Bible; if you choose to do something else, then you don't– Dale M ♦Commented Oct 28, 2015 at 22:16
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@DaleM: "As far as I know, Playboy is not the sacred text of any religion." Key words: "as far as I know." Commented Oct 28, 2015 at 22:38