Can Atheists refuse to swear on the bible in US courts?

[Donald Polish]

Our judicial also has some "loopholes"...
The oath I believe people take when they are on the stand in trial is to put their right hand up, left hand on the bible and say "I swear to tell the truth" (or something like that, I think it is longer, but couldn't find it.) and finish with "so help me god." If one was an Atheist could they leave out the bible and mention of god? Has this been done before? What is that oath called, does it have a special name?
Thus being an atheist you may avoid a trial.
Just wondering?

 

[Katzndogz]

So help me God isn't part of the oath and hasn't been for years.

 

[Roadrunner]

Our judicial also has some "loopholes"...
The oath I believe people take when they are on the stand in trial is to put their right hand up, left hand on the bible and say "I swear to tell the truth" (or something like that, I think it is longer, but couldn't find it.) and finish with "so help me god." If one was an Atheist could they leave out the bible and mention of god? Has this been done before? What is that oath called, does it have a special name?
Thus being an atheist you may avoid a trial.
Just wondering?

I don't care if they swear on a comic book, as long as they do not perjure themselves.

 

[TheOldSchool]

I believe many courts no longer use a Bible. It would be silly too because we have so many non-Christians in this country.

 

[Luddly Neddite]

Our judicial also has some "loopholes"...
The oath I believe people take when they are on the stand in trial is to put their right hand up, left hand on the bible and say "I swear to tell the truth" (or something like that, I think it is longer, but couldn't find it.) and finish with "so help me god." If one was an Atheist could they leave out the bible and mention of god? Has this been done before? What is that oath called, does it have a special name?
Thus being an atheist you may avoid a trial.
Just wondering?

 

[OKTexas]

All they need do is swear or affirm they will tell the truth, no need for any book, if they are caught lying, all perjury laws apply.

 

[Mr. H.]

I've been on the stand a few times over the years and never remember a Bible at the swear-in.

 

[Mad Scientist]

I've been on the stand a few times over the years and never remember a Bible at the swear-in.

Oh really? Do tell!

If you can remember that is!

 

[Dot Com]

yep its "swear or affirm" up here in Blue State America. I oughta' know, I'm a card-carrying atheist

 

[Mr. H.]

I've been on the stand a few times over the years and never remember a Bible at the swear-in.

Oh really? Do tell!

If you can remember that is!

Nothing fun I assure you.

 

[charwin95]

I've been on the stand a few times over the years and never remember a Bible at the swear-in.

Oh really? Do tell!

If you can remember that is!

Nothing fun I assure you.

If you're being sentenced to life or 25. You probably didn't notice your wet your pants. Just kidding buddy.