Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike L
Just to add a small contribution: The only time I have ever taken an oath was when I was involved in a criminal trial. All the witnesses had to take the oath, as did all the jury members. But none of us had to swear "on" anything. We simply raised our right hand, and repeated the words that were read out to us. Nor was there any religious aspect.
Thinking more about this, I wonder if taking an oath has any legal significance: in particular, the stuff about swearing to tell "the truth, the whole truth, ... " etc. If I didn't tell the truth while giving evidence, surely I would be just as guilty of perjury, whether or not I had sworn to do so?
Just a thought.
Mike
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I think it's not so much the religious book as that you are making a sacred promise (before your deity) to tell the truth or suffer punishment. Making a promise to another man is one thing and making it to a God is another. Of course such oaths also remind the swearer that there are penalties to be paid in this life if you lie and are found out.