This didn't really fit under the religions section...

In court, and this is only what I remember from some stuff a while ago, you could either swear on the Bible, or do something else.
The point was that you wouldn't lie because that would be wrong which would go against your religion in the first place.

What is the other way..? Swear that you will tell the truth on your Countries name? Or is this practice abandoned althogether? What would an atheist do in the situation!? (I wouldn't swear on the Bible, or my Country ['s code of law?]).

And shouldn't you hold the judges testicles rather than hold your hand to the bible? Har Har.

*Xev stands on a Bible and types:

"Fuck. Damn. Shit. Bloody fucking hell. Bugger all. Wanker. Goddamn."*

Yes, athiests can swear on the Bible!

I think that one can be sworn simply to uphold the truth. When I've given testimony, there was no Bible.

I can and do swear on my Constitution. The simple swearing in a court of law is enough to bind me to my oath.

"And shouldn't you hold the judges testicles rather than hold your hand to the bible? Har Har."

Depends on the judge. Actually, I think you are supposed to swear on your own testicles, according to some tradition.

Now that would be a problem for me!

The alternative is an affirmation.

If you're not religious, the best anyone can ask of you is to give your word that you will tell the truth. Instead of staking your position in heaven on telling the truth, you merely stake your reputation for honesty.

Having said that, I imagine the incidence of perjury is about the same for atheists and for religious people.

Originally posted by Xev
Actually, I think you are supposed to swear on your own testicles...The root (no pun intended... ok, maybe it is) of "testify" is supposedly from ancient Rome, where men avowing to a statement made in court were required to swear on their testicles.

Peace.