Changes

'''Swearing in''' in the process of holding witnesses accountable for their official statements, as in a court proceeding such as a criminal or civil trial. While a witness is sworn in, everything they say must be true, or else they can be charged with [[perjury]].

'''Swearing in''' is the process of holding witnesses accountable for their official statements, as in a court proceeding such as a criminal or civil trial. While a witness is sworn in, everything they say must be true, or else they can be charged with [[perjury]].

In Christian countries such as the U.S., a witness will place one hand on the Bible and raise the other hand. The oath taken is,  

In Christian countries such as the U.S., a witness will place one hand on the Bible and raise the other hand, though the Bible is rarely used in court proceedings today. A common oath taken is,  

:Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth (so help you God)?

:Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth (so help you God)?

Officials are often sworn into office in a similar way.

Officials are often sworn into office in a similar way.

==Koran controversy==

==Koran controversy==

When America's first Muslim congressman, a Democrat from Minnesota, let it be known he will carry a Koran to his swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 4, conservative pundit Dennis Prager called it "an act of hubris ... that undermines American civilization." [http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/1207/p01s03-uspo.html]

America's first [[Muslim]] congressman, [[Keith Ellison]] (D - Minn.), said he would carry a Koran to his swearing-in ceremony.<ref>[https://www.csmonitor.com/2006/1207/p01s03-uspo.html At swearing in, congressman wants to carry Koran. Outrage ensues]</ref>

 

[[Category:Legal Terms]]

[[Category:Legal Terms]]