Oath
What is an Oath?
An oath is a vital part of any testimony in court and is essential to the overall fairness of the case. As a sworn statement, an oath requires a person to tell the truth. Those who lie while under oath face harsh punishments. You can make the best statement for your personal injury case if you know what an oath is and how it can be used in court.
What's A Legal Oath?
“Tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth” is an oath. This oath is essential in all three parts. What they really mean is:
- You won’t lie
- You won’t leave anything out
- You won’t mislead anybody
This oath is required of all witnesses in personal injury cases, like car accident claims and slip and fall claims, but only if the case goes to court. Most witnesses won’t have to take an oath if the case is settled out of court.
Does a Testimony Under Oath Count as Admissible Evidence in Court?
An eyewitness testifying in court will have to take an oath first. Any testimony given under oath is usually accepted as evidence unless there is a good reason to think it is false.
If you are required to give a testimony, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you tell the facts of your case.
Does My Oath Have To Be Religious?
No. In the United States, the oath is said in two different ways. One is religious, while the other is not:
- Do you solemnly swear that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you, God?
- Do you solemnly affirm that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, under pains and penalties of perjury?
Both oaths are regarded as equal in the eyes of the law.
What Happens If You Lie Under Oath?
Perjury, another word for lying under oath, is a crime. In Georgia, perjury is when someone makes a false statement during a legal proceeding and does so on purpose. If you are found guilty of lying under oath, you could be charged a $1,000 fine and be sentenced to up to ten years in jail.
Ready to Talk to a Lawyer Who Has Your Back?
Contact The Brown Firm
Get the Answers and Compensation You Deserve
You’ll notice the difference when you contact The Brown Firm! Our local dedicated attorneys want to help you recover and rebuild.
Schedule your free consultation by calling (800) 529-1441 or completing our simple online form.