I recently done Jury service in the UK and the answer is no you not have to use a bible,i chose not to they have a alternative card to read from with a change in the wording.
That is a very interesting question but I thought they only brought out the bible in movies. I guess I've never been to court so I wouldn't know.
@nincomnetwork why is it a funny question,it is a very serious question really i personally dont believe in a religion so why should i have to swear on a bible or any religous document when doing Jury service i done the same when i got married.As i have always said that if people have a believe i wish them all the best in that religion or faith but it is not for me.
Correct. In the UK you have the option of giving a non-religious affirmation, which has exactly the same standing as the oath with Bible. I'm sure it'll be the same elsewhere.
Thanks all didn't expect a response judging by the other questions being asked on the general chat forum...
So what 'thing' do the courts get atheists to swear on? Their mother's grave, their children's eyes? ?? Agreed.
In the US, you can just give an affirmation also. Just as binding. It's not just atheists - what if you were Hindu or Jewish, for example?
Have you seen those TV court shows, such as Judge Judy and Judge Brown? None of them use the Bible to swear in people. I think the courts here in the USA did away with that practice some 20 or so years ago.