Legal Inquiry: Atheists and Affirmations (Not Oaths)

[Cyberman]

Maybe a strategic full stop?

"So help me. God"

[zebo-the-fat]

So, help my cod?

[Dropship]

The only problem I have is this one line: "I swear the above statement is true, so help me God."
I feel ignored and betrayed.  What can I do about it?  I thought about writing an addendum asserting my rights as an American citizen with no religion.  Would that do any good?
Does anyone have any advice?

No big deal..
That word "God" doesn't say which god, so it could equally mean any god (Hindu, Muslim, Japanese, Jewish, Christian, Red Indian, Aborigine, Jungle Tribes. Pagan, Mother Earth etc), so in a sense the line simply means something like-"I swear by what I believe in" .
Even if you're an atheist it's still no big deal because it could mean "I swear by this great universe all around us"..

[Cyberman]

The capital G does sort of give it away, though. It's sort of a clue.

[brewer]

I have a question for any of my fellow heathens who are lawyers or have had experience with the court system, especially here in Georgia.

Affirmations.  Today I had a meeting with my attorney, who because of health reasons, is retiring and recommending my case to another lawyer.  I previously instructed his secretary that I want to affirm.  It was my understanding that she understood that, and she said that she would let him know.  

This morning I signed an affidavit, without reading it (that is on me--yet he did explain to me what its purpose is and what it was about) releasing himself from my employ.  The only problem I have is this one line: "I swear the above statement is true, so help me God."

I feel ignored and betrayed.  What can I do about it?  I thought about writing an addendum asserting my rights as an American citizen with no religion.  Would that do any good?

Does anyone have any advice?

Just draw a line thru "god" and initial it.

[johan]

Just draw a line thru "god" and initial it.

I really like this idea. I would probably do this.

[Dropship]

..I thought about writing an addendum asserting my rights as an American citizen with no religion.  Would that do any good?
Does anyone have any advice?

Are you involved in some kind of legal case and are facing charges?
If so it might look bad to the jury if you don't want to "swear by God" that you're telling the truth, the whole truth...

[Thumpalumpacus]

This may seem a stupid question, but is it permitted to strike out the words "so help me God?"

In America it is.

[Secular Elf]

I have a question for any of my fellow heathens who are lawyers or have had experience with the court system, especially here in Georgia.

Affirmations.  Today I had a meeting with my attorney, who because of health reasons, is retiring and recommending my case to another lawyer.  I previously instructed his secretary that I want to affirm.  It was my understanding that she understood that, and she said that she would let him know.  

This morning I signed an affidavit, without reading it (that is on me--yet he did explain to me what its purpose is and what it was about) releasing himself from my employ.  The only problem I have is this one line: "I swear the above statement is true, so help me God."

I feel ignored and betrayed.  What can I do about it?  I thought about writing an addendum asserting my rights as an American citizen with no religion.  Would that do any good?

Does anyone have any advice?

It might be a mere oversight if the person is packed with cases. But try to explain to them not to do that again. If they do, then you can contact.. I would not announce the contact, just do it, take names and give dates and details when and if you consult any of the places listed below. Someone should be able to point you to a lawyer who can advise you.

American Atheists
Freedom From Religion Foundation
ACLU
Americans United For Separation Of Church And State.

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Don't piss off your own legal team.

Yea there is a risk in that too. But at a minimum even if you say nothing to your lawyers it would be still good to talk to those orgs just so you know you are not alone, you can ask them to keep what you send them confidential.

I have given some thought to that. At this point I merely want to change it, if I can. I am going to give them a call and gently remind them that I want to affirm and have them make the change and I can sign an updated document. They had me do that before with paper work that either had some mistake or the first set of documents got lost in the system. I am not really thinking of starting any trouble as it stands now. My case will be transitioning to a new team at another law firm. The attorney I have now, like I said, is retiring for health reasons. He is a one man show with one secretary, his offices are small, and he just does not wear his Christianity on his sleeve, hell it is all over his freaking office lobby: crosses, religious tracts, there is even a bible verse under the light switch in the freaking bathroom. *rolling eyes*

Any way, I will make it perfectly clear to my new lawyer that I want to affirm. One of the reasons for my issue, besides asserting my rights, is to be consistent.

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Some issues are worth fighting over, others, not so much. Besides, being lawyer$ they will likely charge you for the addendum.

Yeah, but I only will be charged if I win my case.

[Rev. Rye]

This may seem a stupid question, but is it permitted to strike out the words "so help me God?"

In America it is.

Shit, if it is legal, that's what I'd do, but I'd personally give the lawyers the heads-up about it.