General Discussion

rsdsharp

(12,047 posts)

45. It always amuses me to hear people talk about having to swear on the Bible in court.

Fri Jan 14, 2022, 06:49 PM

Jan 2022

The oath used, in my state at least, is “Do you solemnly swear (or affirm) to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?” There is no Bible, or any other book or object, used to administer the oath. Moreover, in 33 years of litigation practice, I heard “so help you God” appended to the oath only once, when the judge swore in the local head of Operation Rescue in a contempt case brought on behalf of my client Planned Parenthood.

I had one man, a Rabbi, who was very concerned about having to swear an oath. I explained the oath, and his answer in court was to very clearly say “I so affirm.”

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

69 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Quick question!!! "When was the last time you recited the Pledge of Allegiance?" [View all] Grins Jan 2022 OP

I don't remember. I must have had to learn it because I know it, but Ocelot II Jan 2022 #1

I pledged allegiance to the Constitution when I was inducted into the military in the early '70s... Journeyman Jan 2022 #2

When you were inducted? Grins Jan 2022 #21

I remember not having to put one's hand over their heart while singing the national anthem tenderfoot Jan 2022 #3

1996, at the swearing in ceremony when I became a U.S. citizen. IcyPeas Jan 2022 #4

No idea. BlueTsunami2018 Jan 2022 #5

I don't remember any specific occasions, but I have done so MineralMan Jan 2022 #6

1954, when "under God" was added. frogmarch Jan 2022 #7

I haven't said it since I realized that line about "with liberty and justice for all" did not apply LoisB Jan 2022 #8

I like to ask people who insist on saying it at meetings, etc. Mr.Bill Jan 2022 #9

It always amuses me to hear people talk about having to swear on the Bible in court. rsdsharp Jan 2022 #45

They don't use bibles in California. Mr.Bill Jan 2022 #47

Can't swear to it (no pun intended) but I'm willing to bet rsdsharp Jan 2022 #48

That might be true. Mr.Bill Jan 2022 #51

It can't be a requirement to hold office or public trust. rsdsharp Jan 2022 #56

Like I said, it's likely just for show with many of them. Mr.Bill Jan 2022 #58

Just curious, Mr. Bill, how do you feel about Totally Tunsie Jan 2022 #53

I don't care for that either, Mr.Bill Jan 2022 #55

LOL - sounds fair! Totally Tunsie Jan 2022 #62

They recite it at the county caucus when I go, and they also say it at a union federation WhiskeyGrinder Jan 2022 #10

It was done Jilly_in_VA Jan 2022 #11

This morning. rateyes Jan 2022 #12

Last week at a city meeting. redstatebluegirl Jan 2022 #13

yep Demovictory9 Jan 2022 #22

That's what I was going to say genxlib Jan 2022 #24

For me it was in grade school srose58089 Jan 2022 #14

During the Vietnam Conflict musette_sf Jan 2022 #15

I am a member of a Masonic group called ChazII Jan 2022 #16

"Do Republicans have an authoritarian fetish about the Pledge?" 3catwoman3 Jan 2022 #17

And even fewer people know that the "under god" Mr.Bill Jan 2022 #49

38 years ago in private catholic high school. nt chowder66 Jan 2022 #18

Would I be allowed to recite this version of the pledge? DFW Jan 2022 #19

Good one! Elessar Zappa Jan 2022 #30

worked for California colleges. said the pledge at start of every board meeting. Demovictory9 Jan 2022 #20

Veterans Day this past November zeusdogmom Jan 2022 #23

I started doing that when I was in kindergarten OldBaldy1701E Jan 2022 #25

They've had one since the 90s around here. n/t Ms. Toad Jan 2022 #26

I have at civic events and re-enactments. NutmegYankee Jan 2022 #27

1980 obamanut2012 Jan 2022 #28

1980 obamanut2012 Jan 2022 #29

My observation of my rightward friends and acquaintances is the pageantry and symbolism is #1. Gore1FL Jan 2022 #31

Probably 60 years ago. gibraltar72 Jan 2022 #32

I live in Iowa with all the candidates come through for the caucuses rurallib Jan 2022 #33

I Never Do It ProfessorGAC Jan 2022 #34

Yes they do. Meowmee Jan 2022 #35

Elementary School Jimbo S Jan 2022 #36

It seems like the only time I hear the pledge or the national anthem TlalocW Jan 2022 #37

2002 or thereabouts Maeve Jan 2022 #38

Two Years Ago NowISeetheLight Jan 2022 #39

Last time it's been many years nt doc03 Jan 2022 #40

Yesterday AM at school opening, but I say "under All." GPV Jan 2022 #41

This morning, 11:02 am. bottomofthehill Jan 2022 #42

Last time I was at a regular Civil Air Patrol meeting for my squadron. krispos42 Jan 2022 #54

At a Town Council meeting Mossfern Jan 2022 #43

1962 6th grade Emile Jan 2022 #44

I'm sure I've said it since, but my only real memory of doing so was in grade school. rsdsharp Jan 2022 #46

3rd grade. Solly Mack Jan 2022 #50

Last year at an Elks event. tavernier Jan 2022 #52

Once a month dflprincess Jan 2022 #57

1960-something. (n/t) Iggo Jan 2022 #59

i honestly don't remember. depends on what grade the stopped having us do it? maybe 1990? Takket Jan 2022 #60

Not a big fan of fascist loyalty oaths Ron Obvious Jan 2022 #61

I totally agree with that. Mr.Bill Jan 2022 #64

When did dinosaurs go extinct? jcmaine72 Jan 2022 #63

Must've been 5th grade. I don't remember anything later. sakabatou Jan 2022 #65

Decades ago?... electric_blue68 Jan 2022 #66

Never. When I was a kid my mom was a Jehovah's Witness. hunter Jan 2022 #67

2 days ago to try to distract myself in order to avoid vomiting. ecstatic Jan 2022 #68

My youngest says they still recite it every day at the start of school Bettie Jan 2022 #69