Separation of Church and State?
Gambloshia
09-06-2005, 21:00
If there's true separation of Church and State in America, then why do people have to swear by the Bible when testifying in court? I think the Constitution should replace the Bible in that scenario.
The Enlightened One, Gir
Ph33rdom
09-06-2005, 21:03
You don't have to swear on the Bible.
Gambloshia
09-06-2005, 21:04
Damn my squirrelly ignorance!
if theres truly separation of church and state, why is this (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/05/31/national/main698727.shtml) happening?
The Vuhifellian States
09-06-2005, 21:23
if theres truly separation of church and state, why is this (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/05/31/national/main698727.shtml) happening?
Cuz Bush stands there in the White House as a symbol for Christianity, not the United States, every bill he signs, every word he speaks, he believes will bring him one step closer to a "New Washington" next to the New Jerusalem.
East Canuck
09-06-2005, 21:25
if theres truly separation of church and state, why is this (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/05/31/national/main698727.shtml) happening?
Because some judge has a twisted definition of the separation of church and state.
Although, if I was givent he choice by that judge, I'd take "attend worship" and choose a religion which doesn't have a temple in the vincinity, thereby effectively having no sentence.
Niccolo Medici
09-06-2005, 21:36
If I remember correctly the person being sworn in has the option of providing their own "holy object" of some kind to swear by...I could be wrong though. It doesn't matter much to an Athiest though, I betcha. Attending worship services as an Athiest means sleeping in on Sunday...maybe watching some football. ;)
Gatito de Sexo
09-06-2005, 21:36
well have you ever though about the athiests that have to swear on the bible?? it dosent mean anything to them nor to budduists so its a stupid idea and so is "Under God" but Bush is the a good christian (its ok to send ppl to die and kill and you will go to heaven as long as you dont do it your self.............. ) so he would never that the out of court
East Canuck
09-06-2005, 21:40
well have you ever though about the athiests that have to swear on the bible?? it dosent mean anything to them nor to budduists so its a stupid idea and so is "Under God" but Bush is the a good christian (its ok to send ppl to die and kill and you will go to heaven as long as you dont do it your self.............. ) so he would never that the out of court
To be fair, the last sixteen president didn't do anything to remove it from the court, so I don't expect a motion soon.
But I still despise Bush, nonetheless.
The Vuhifellian States
09-06-2005, 21:44
Heh, I just blam the government for everything, its funny to watch your local politician steam while he can't do crap because its on the internet and that would kinda look facist, shutting down a web-site for government blamming reasons. :D
Itinerate Tree Dweller
09-06-2005, 21:46
Swearing on the bible or any other holy book is not necessary. You can swear on a laws of the state, or the constitution if I recall.
If there's true separation of Church and State in America, then why do people have to swear by the Bible when testifying in court? I think the Constitution should replace the Bible in that scenario.
The Enlightened One, Gir
I've testified in court, and declined to swear on the Bible.
The Cat-Tribe
09-06-2005, 23:49
If there's true separation of Church and State in America, then why do people have to swear by the Bible when testifying in court?
They don't. QED.
The Cat-Tribe
09-06-2005, 23:52
If I remember correctly the person being sworn in has the option of providing their own "holy object" of some kind to swear by...I could be wrong though. It doesn't matter much to an Athiest though, I betcha. Attending worship services as an Athiest means sleeping in on Sunday...maybe watching some football. ;)
Many courts don't use a holy object, including the Bible, at all.
In fact, I've been in federal & state courtrooms in at least 7 states where no Bibles were used to swear in any witnesses.
Many courts don't use a holy object, including the Bible, at all.
In fact, I've been in federal & state courtrooms in at least 7 states where no Bibles were used to swear in any witnesses.
I've been in my state courthouse that has bibles for swearing in, but it's more of a psycological thing then anything else, irregardless if you believe in the bible, you can still be charged with perjury for lying under oath.
The Cat-Tribe
10-06-2005, 00:48
I've been in my state courthouse that has bibles for swearing in, but it's more of a psycological thing then anything else, irregardless if you believe in the bible, you can still be charged with perjury for lying under oath.
Some courts definitely still use Bibles. I wasn't denying it.
I'm just saying it is far from uniform. It definitely is not required.
And you are right. Perjury has nothing to do with swearing on the Bible.