It’s against my integrity, but would the judge see it differently?
Do they do this anymore?
NSW Australia law only please.
(not sure which section this should be put in sorry)
RE: I may have to go to court soon in regards to my kids & their lying father. We had a mediation conference in February & he has since put in things that arent true & are ridiculous, so my solicitor is writing back to say I dont agree, so it may go to court. I’m really scared because I dont want to lose my kids and currently have 100% care of my oldest (there are 4 other siblings whom he is the father of as well – so 5 in all).
My belief system is really important to me. Please dont say it’s just a book either.
The bible is more than just a book to others & I’m sure they see it as equally important (which is why I asked not to say it’s just a book!). This isnt meant to be a religious argument. If someone feels the need to make those comments, then please go to the R&S section under Society & Culture, NOT here. This is a serious question!
Are you thinking about selling your home yourself? then
Just goes to show how easy it is to get to be a "Top Contributor" on Yahoo Answers without knowing what the hell you’re talking about – Changenator! The lady specifically asked about NSW law not bloody American law!
Dragoniys – although you are in NSW, family law is (under the Constitution) handled by the Federal Courts – i.e. the Family Court is one branch of the Federal system not the state system. This doesn’t really matter to you but it explains why the links I am providing are to Federal legislation.
By the Family Law Act 1975, s102C, evidence is to be by either oath (on the bible) or affirmation – see http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sinodisp/au/legis/cth/consol_act/fla1975114/s102c.html
The words of an affirmation are given in the Evidence Act 1995 Schedule – see http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sinodisp/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ea199580/sch1.html
You just have to swear to tell the truth under penalty of perjury. The Bible and "so help me God" are optional. Some judges leave them out as a matter of course, others include them. You can ask to not have that part. You do have to swear to tell the truth.
-edit-
Hey Steve, my answer applies just as well to your bloody NSW links. This is the English system of laws we all come from (sound familiar?).
If you think being a top contributor is so easy, go for it!
Nowadays it is not a requirement to do it… it is optional. You can just promise to tell the truth.
as an atheist, why does it matter? You allegedly don’t believe in either God or the Bible, so neither hold sway over you. You could swear on a dictionary and get the same effect. To you, all you’re doing is putting your hand on a book, and swearing to a meaningless name. I know, you said "don’t say it’s just a book", but why? You have no faith in it, so that’s all it is to you. If it’s not, then you’re not a real atheist…you’re just an agnostic who isn’t sure if your lack of faith would offend God if you were to actually swear on His word. The easy fix is to simply acknowledge there is a God…put your faith in Him to help you save your kids, and then swear on His word to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. So help you God.
BTW, since you sent me a private message but I can’t send you one, my response is: "If it’s NOT just a book, then what is it to you?" You are a contradiction in terms. You say there is no God, despite the overwhelmng evidence stacked against you by the very universe in which we live, yet you hold an ancient, religious tome in such high regard that you fear swearing by it? I don’t get it. And, FYI, I do care about you and your particular need. The answer you need is a savior. He believes in you, even if you don’t believe in Him. You fight so hard against the bricks, when you need to give in, and surrender your life to the one who made you and gave you life. I’ll be praying for you.
You would not have to, but why would it matter to you if you do not believe. Besides you will have to go before the ultimate judge one day and the sentence will not be good
I went to court last year, and never had to swear on the bible. I though that only happened in movies!! I really don’t know.
Mine was in the court of petty sessions (or something like that, no idea about law). Long story.
I don’t think you will have to. We go to Family Law Court on the 21st of May, so I will let you know. I know you have to bow to the judge when you leave the room, and it’s still in session. I felt a bit of a twit doing it, but oh well.