The use of a bible when a witness is sworn in to provide testimony at trial is not necessary. According to the website of My Jewish Learning, lawyers across the country aver that a Bible or any other holy book for that matter is no longer necessary. What is important is that the witness adheres to the order of the court that he or she is to give the testimony that bears the truth, and that he cannot provide fraudulent information while he is a witness of the court. What is essential in this case is that the witness is aware of the truth as against what do not count as matters that are true.
If one is to consider the constitutionality of not using a bible when swearing any witnesses during trials, then one would simply have to refer to the prescriptions of the Founding Fathers. Per the website of the Britannica Blog, most of the Founding Fathers believed that religion and faith could be used to mold the minds of the people and imbue them with the necessary values needed for good government, and then these men with these values would then lead the country and govern faithfully as well. Therefore, regardless of what religion or faith or denomination a witness belongs to, for as long as he or she possess certain values and virtues, and by these virtues and values they are able to decide what is true and what is false, then there clearly is no need for any bible or holy book on which he must swear before giving testimony in court.
In conclusion, the absence of a bible or any holy book during testimony is not unconstitutional; it is not even necessary. All a witness would have to do would be to raise his hand, promise to offer the truth throughout his testimony, and be consistent and true at all times.
Works Cited
Britannica Blog. The US Founding Fathers: Their Religious Beliefs. 2015. Web. 23 June 2015.
My Jewish Learning. Ask the Expert: Swearing on the Bible. 2015. Web. 23 June 2015.
