... however, if a witness objects to the traditional oath, it is permissible to swear to tell the truth without either the bible or the reference to god. The following is from a New York courtroom clerk's website:

>> To avoid conflicts, Cullen administers an "affirmation"
>> without the Bible and the Christian-centric oath to anyone
>> who asks. It's rare that anyone objects to the traditional
>> oath though, she says.

The site is at:

http://www.nyc24.com/2001/issue04/story07/page1.html

That was the law in California for some time, too, before they finally gave up and just asked everyone to tell the truth. I would be amazed if there was a state anywhere in the country that didn't at least offer an alternative oath not requiring a reference to god.

>> Want to guess how many geniuses raise their left hand?

I've seen that, too, Eric, more than a few times! Once saw a witness raise her right hand, then put it down and raise her left, then hesitate a second before re-raising her right while leaving the left up. She took the oath with both hands in the air! Unfortunately, she was my witness (this occurred when I was a DA) and promptly lost most of her credibility with the jury.

----- jim o\-S