What oath do I take in court for a tribunal ?
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- OBOD Bard
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What oath do I take in court for a tribunal ?
Good morning , I am looking for some advice or ideas...I am being called to an employment tribunal at my place of work, as a witness in an employee case. The barrister has told me that as I am called to the witness stand I will be asked to swear/ take an oath on the holy bible or any other way that fits my beliefs. I don't want to swear on the bible despite not having a problem with it personally. I would like to take my Druidic vow and really mean it, but don't know if one exists, or if I should make my own and take that with me......does anyone have any expertise to offer me ?
- Heddwen
- OBOD Druid
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Re: What oath do I take in court for a tribunal ?
I don't know if this helps or not, but I read of a pagan oath that you could swear by, on the internet. I'd have to search for it again. My mother who is a Buddhist swore on a non christian oath when she went to court. They had one especially for her. As for a Druidic oath, I wouldn't know if ours is applicable or not.
- DaRC
- OBOD Ovate
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Re: What oath do I take in court for a tribunal ?
Have a look at this, you have a fair amount of choice
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sworn_testimony
As a Druid you could use a piece of Oak or Ash for your oath or simply use an Affirmation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sworn_testimony
As a Druid you could use a piece of Oak or Ash for your oath or simply use an Affirmation
Most dear is fire to the sons of men,
most sweet the sight of the sun;
good is health if one can but keep it,
and to live a life without shame. (Havamal 68)
http://gewessiman.blogspot.co.uk
most sweet the sight of the sun;
good is health if one can but keep it,
and to live a life without shame. (Havamal 68)
http://gewessiman.blogspot.co.uk

- Badger Bob
- OBOD Druid
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Re: What oath do I take in court for a tribunal ?
Whenever I have been called to the witness stand I have made an affirmation, it covers the legal niceties, doesn't compromise my beliefs and allows the court to get on with the job in hand.
- Oakapple
- OBOD Druid
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Re: What oath do I take in court for a tribunal ?
There's mention of the pagan oath here
http://www.pagan-network.org/forums/ind ... ic=20399.0
When I was a doing jury service I ended up affirming to save trouble, but I felt it a bit unsatisfactory. I asked the jury clerk afterwards and they seemed to think that in order to swear rather than affirm you needed a Holy book, which would have been a problem. I did send a message to the judge who promised a letter to clarify, but that was six months ago and no reply!
http://www.pagan-network.org/forums/ind ... ic=20399.0
When I was a doing jury service I ended up affirming to save trouble, but I felt it a bit unsatisfactory. I asked the jury clerk afterwards and they seemed to think that in order to swear rather than affirm you needed a Holy book, which would have been a problem. I did send a message to the judge who promised a letter to clarify, but that was six months ago and no reply!



Nothing's forgotten......nothing is ever forgotten
- Heddwen
- OBOD Druid
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Re: What oath do I take in court for a tribunal ?
Aha! that's where I saw it. If it helps, there is a pagan police association. They may be able to advise you.
http://www.policepaganassociation.org/
http://www.policepaganassociation.org/
- Green Raven
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Re: What oath do I take in court for a tribunal ?
I always affirm:
Witness Affirmation
"I do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that the evidence I shall give shall be the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth."
http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/giving-evidence-in-court
This is the simple, no-drama way to do the necessary. Judges and other court regulars also know that this is the format preferred by the devoutly religious as well as the atheistic, as they tend to see swearing on holy books as blasphemous. All in all it gives the impression of being thoughtful and trustworthy.
Witness Affirmation
"I do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that the evidence I shall give shall be the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth."
http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/giving-evidence-in-court
This is the simple, no-drama way to do the necessary. Judges and other court regulars also know that this is the format preferred by the devoutly religious as well as the atheistic, as they tend to see swearing on holy books as blasphemous. All in all it gives the impression of being thoughtful and trustworthy.
“Listen, O little pig! are not the buds of thorns
Very green, the mountain beautiful, and beautiful the earth?”
- Myrddin Wyllt, Hoianau / Greetings (to a Pig)
Very green, the mountain beautiful, and beautiful the earth?”
- Myrddin Wyllt, Hoianau / Greetings (to a Pig)
- DJ Droood
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Re: What oath do I take in court for a tribunal ?
I guess it depends on what you want...to make a public/work statement about your druidry or just avoid using the Bible oath when making your promise to testify truthfully.. When I was presented with this not too long ago, I opted for the affirmation...I actually didn't say much of anything...the clerk said something to the effect of "Do you promise to tell the truth, etc." and I said yes. Simply promising to tell the truth is quite Druidic, imo, and a primary statement of spiritual conviction for me.

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"If organized religion is the opium of the masses, then disorganized religion is the marijuana of the lunatic fringe."
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- OBOD Bard
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Re: What oath do I take in court for a tribunal ?
Thanks for the replies, really helpful.i think I will go for the affirmation, as it's about keeping integrity rather than needing to share my Druidic. I've really valued your input. Xx
- ShadowCat
- OBOD Ovate
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Re: What oath do I take in court for a tribunal ?
In the Netherlands there is the choice between Christian or secular. They are both performed in much the same way (rarely any biblebanging either way). The question is much the same, but you either answer "Zo waarlijk helpe mij god almachtig (So truly, may god help me)" or "Dat beloof ik/dat verklaar ik (So I promise/so I declare)". I feel too that the standard secular option is druidic enough for all intents and purposes: it puts all responsibility with yourself, rather than with deity.Simply promising to tell the truth is quite Druidic, imo, and a primary statement of spiritual conviction for me.
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the callings of the universe
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