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| − | '''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]]. |
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| − | 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, |
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| | :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)? |
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| | Officials are often sworn into office in a similar way. | | Officials are often sworn into office in a similar way. |
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| | ==Koran controversy== | | ==Koran controversy== |
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| − | America's first [[Muslim]] congressman, [[Keith Ellison]] (D - Minn.), said he would carry a Koran to his swearing-in ceremony.<ref> [http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/1207/p01s03-uspo.html At swearing in, congressman wants to carry Koran. Outrage ensues]</ref> | + | 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> |
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| | ==Notes== | | ==Notes== |