Swearing on Bible scrapped for jurors (Australia)

[The Straight Story]

Swearing on Bible scrapped for jurors
By Geesche Jacobsen
June 13, 2005

There's been no need to kiss it for some time and soon you won't have to touch it any more either.

But even if you don't believe in it, your oath of "so help me God" will continue to bind you.

Under legislation now before State Parliament the Government is scrapping the need for jurors to hold a bible, or other religious text, when swearing their oaths.

A Christian Democratic member of the Legislative Council, the Reverend Fred Nile, mused last week whether this would allow atheists to swear an oath on Karl Marx, or whether jurors could use a dictionary, a copy of Shakespeare, or a newspaper.

Not so, a government spokesman said yesterday.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Swearing-on-Bible-scrapped-for-jurors/2005/06/12/1118514931383.html?oneclick=true

[Patiod]

1. I found that incredibly awkward at jury selection

Quakers won't swear on the Bible - we're supposed to be honest at all times, not just when we are forced to swear that we will.

Went in for jury selection for a juicy sex/drugs/money murder (18-yr-old nephew sleeps with aunt, then he, brother and aunt ax-murder uncle for his millions). I knew I wouldn't be allowed to serve, but they made everyone go through the motions anyway.

The 90-year-old bailiff (?) puts a Bible in front of me and asks if I swear to tell the truth, etc. I said "I vow that I will".
"WHAT?"
"I said I vow I will."
"WHAT?"
Then I think -- is this particular principal worth upsetting this poor old man? Which is the higher good?
"Yes"

Of course they threw me out on my ass post haste when they got to the "would you have any problem choosing the death penalty?" part. .

Missed a REALLY good trial.

[WilmywoodNCparalegal]

2. Atheists swearing by Karl Marx???

I have known many atheists, none of whom are big Karl Marx fans and none who would ever 'swear' period.

I am an agnostic and I loathe any sort of swearing in. I prefer affirmations, but it seems if you want an affirmation (I am basing this on the U.S. naturalization ceremonies), you need to ask for it, which sort of singles you out (not that I mind that, but when you are naturalizing with hundreds of people, it's hard to make that request).