A Question For The Lawyers Here

[Rat in the Hat]

I've been watching bits and pieces of the Casey Anthony trial, and it brought up something I've always wondered. When each witness steps up, they are asked "Do you swear or affirm your testimony is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God".

What would happen if the witness answered "No"?

 

[syrenn]

I've been watching bits and pieces of the Casey Anthony trial, and it brought up something I've always wondered. When each witness steps up, they are asked "Do you swear or affirm your testimony is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God".

What would happen if the witness answered "No"?

To which part are you asking? The truth thing or the swear to god thing?

 

[Rat in the Hat]

I've been watching bits and pieces of the Casey Anthony trial, and it brought up something I've always wondered. When each witness steps up, they are asked "Do you swear or affirm your testimony is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God".

What would happen if the witness answered "No"?

To which part are you asking? The truth thing or the swear to god thing?

The part about telling the truth.

 

[syrenn]

I've been watching bits and pieces of the Casey Anthony trial, and it brought up something I've always wondered. When each witness steps up, they are asked "Do you swear or affirm your testimony is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God".

What would happen if the witness answered "No"?

To which part are you asking? The truth thing or the swear to god thing?

The part about telling the truth.

Lying in court is a punishable offense in and of itself.

 

[Rat in the Hat]

To which part are you asking? The truth thing or the swear to god thing?

The part about telling the truth.

Lying in court is a punishable offense in and of itself.

But at that point, the witness hasn't lied. What I'm wondering is if they would even allow the witness to take the stand, or would they excuse him/her?

 

[High_Gravity]

The part about telling the truth.

Lying in court is a punishable offense in and of itself.

But at that point, the witness hasn't lied. What I'm wondering is if they would even allow the witness to take the stand, or would they excuse him/her?

Good question!

 

[Liability]

A refusal to take the oath or affirmation would be contumacious behavior, I reckon.

Contempt of Court.

Go directly into your cell. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200.

(That is, of course, unless what one is saying by the word "no" is that one intends not to answer any questions whatsoever upon the ground of the right to remain silent or upon any of the other testimonial privileges.)