Juramento Judicial y Creencias Religiosas en Pensilvania

Explicación Simple

Cuando alguien va a testificar en un juicio, primero debe prometer que dirá la verdad. Esto puede hacerse levantando la mano o poniendo una mano sobre la Biblia, y si alguien no quiere usar la Biblia, puede hacer una afirmación en su lugar.

Es como cuando en un equipo de fútbol todos los jugadores deben prometer que van a jugar limpio. Si alguien no se siente cómodo haciendo eso de una manera, puede hacerlo de otra, pero la promesa sigue siendo la misma.

Ejemplo Práctico

Imagina que María es testigo en un juicio sobre un accidente de tráfico. Antes de contar lo que vio, levanta la mano y dice que dirá la verdad. Si no quiere usar la Biblia, simplemente hace una afirmación y sigue adelante con su testimonio.

Texto Original del Estatuto (Inglés)

42 Pa.C.S. 5901 - Judicial Oath (a) General rule.--Every witness, before giving any testimony shall take an oath in the usual or common form, by laying the hand upon an open copy of the Holy Bible, or by lifting up the right hand and pronouncing or assenting to the following words: "I, A. B., do swear by Almighty God, the searcher of all hearts, that I will , and that as I shall answer to God at the last great day." Which oath so taken by persons who conscientiously refuse to take an oath in the common form shall be deemed and taken in law to have the same effect as an oath taken in common form. (b) Right to affirm.--The affirmation may be administered in any judicial proceeding instead of the oath, and shall have the same effect and consequences, and any witness who desires to affirm shall be permitted to do so. 42 Pa.C.S. 5902 - Effect Of Religious Beliefs (a) Religious opinions not to disqualify.--The capacity of any person to testify in any judicial proceeding shall not be affected by his opinions on matters of religion. (b) Religious belief may not be shown.--No witness shall be questioned, in any judicial proceeding, concerning his religious belief; nor shall any evidence be heard upon the subject, for the purpose of affecting either his competency or credibility. (c) Definitions.--As used in this section the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection: "Judicial proceedings." Includes all matters of whatever nature, relating to practice in or authorized by any tribunal whether of record or not of record, within this Commonwealth. "Witness." Includes every person who shall make statements, either oral or written, in any judicial proceeding.