Oaths

[RickST]

Hi all,
Been listening to radio 4 and there is a lot of talk about the Iraq enquiry being held publicly and also the possibility of some of it being taken under oath.


My questions is, what is the point of someone taking an oath? if they are going to lie what difference does it make that they are under oath?

is:
"Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?"

the correct wording? if so that would have no impact on me (an atheist) and as far as I can tell holds no additional weight.

What are your thoughts?

 

[RickST]

Whether you're religious or not, lying under oath means you've committed a serious offence, perjury (I assume this is true for any oath that might be taken in this inquiry). Therefore it is not to be taken lightly.

thats the answer I was after.... I think a modern rewording might be a good idea tho

 

[RickST]

fair enough, I have learned something new and for that as always I am thankful