The practice of swearing on the Bible in court could be banned as magistrates open debate on whether to ban the oath for both witnesses and defendants.
Critics say that banning the oath would put part of Britain’s Christian heritage under threat.
The proposal to remove the biblical oath from the judicial system arises from defendants and witnesses having reportedly ‘lost respect’ for the oath they take in court, according to those proposing the ban.
The proposed moves to scrap the oath from judicial proceedings and introduce a ‘vow of truth’ are set to be debated this month by the Magistrates’ Association, and if agreed shall then be presented to the Ministry of Justice.
‘Truth Vow’
In replacement of the ‘Bible oath’ those giving evidence in court would instead take a proposed ‘truth vow’, without mentioning God.
The suggested vow would read:
‘I promise very sincerely to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth and I understand that if I fail to do so I will be committing an offence for which I will be punished and may be sent to prison.’
The vow is being backed by Ian Abrahams, a magistrate from Bristol.
Secularisation
This proposal points to a gradual secularisation of Britain’s Christian heritage and foundations. This concern has been voiced by several critics of the ban.
The Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, former Bishop of Rochester, stated that: “This could be the slippery slope towards the increasing secularisation of society. Where will it end – with the Coronation Oath?”
Conservative MP John Glen said that the proposal was an instance of “political correctness gone mad”.
Sources: