Sworn testimony

Sworn testimony

Sworn testimony is evidence given by a witness who has made a commitment to tell the truth. If the witness is later found to have lied whilst bound by the commitment, they can often be charged with the crime of perjury. The types of commitment can include oaths, affirmations and promises which are explained in more detail below. The exact wording of the commitments vary from country to country.

Types of commitment

The commitment can come in different forms depending on the situation of the witness. The types of commitment used in the United Kingdom are:

*Oath: A commitment made to the witness's deity, or on their holy book.
*Affirmation: A secular variant of the oath where the witness does not have to mention a deity or holy book.
*Promise: A commitment made by a witness under the age of 17, or of all witnesses if none of the accused are over the age of 17.

Variations by country

United Kingdom

England and Wales

"Oath"::I swear by [substitute Almighty God/Name of God (such as Allah) or the name of the holy scripture] that the evidence I shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

"Affirmation":I do solemnly and sincerely and truly declare and affirm that the evidence I shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

"Promise":I promise before Almighty God that the evidence which I shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. [http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1997/97017211.htm]

cotland

"Oath"::I swear by Almighty God that I will tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. [http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/ssi2002/20020132.htm]

"Affirmation"::I solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that I will tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

ources

* [http://www.jsboard.co.uk/etac/etbb/benchbook/et_03/et_mf04.htm Judicial Studies Board (of England and Wales)]


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