Judge throws out Quran oath lawsuit
judge threw out an ACLU lawsuit aimed at allowing the use of non-Christian religious texts in courtroom oaths, saying the civil liberties group had no active case to argue.
Superior Court Judge Donald Smith, who is based in Raleigh, revealed his decision to lawyers in the case on Thursday. A written ruling was to follow.
The North Carolina chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union sued in Guilford County in July, saying it was acting on behalf of members statewide who prefer to swear courtroom oaths on religious texts other than the Bible.
At issue is a state law that allows witnesses preparing to testify in court to take their oath either by laying a hand over a "Holy Scripture," by saying "so help me God" without the use of a religious book or by using no religious symbols.
Asked to clarify whether Muslims could swear on the Quran, two top Guilford County judges said earlier this year that only the Bible could be used.
Superior Court Judge Donald Smith, who is based in Raleigh, revealed his decision to lawyers in the case on Thursday. A written ruling was to follow.
The North Carolina chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union sued in Guilford County in July, saying it was acting on behalf of members statewide who prefer to swear courtroom oaths on religious texts other than the Bible.
At issue is a state law that allows witnesses preparing to testify in court to take their oath either by laying a hand over a "Holy Scripture," by saying "so help me God" without the use of a religious book or by using no religious symbols.
Asked to clarify whether Muslims could swear on the Quran, two top Guilford County judges said earlier this year that only the Bible could be used.
posted by Jason at 12/09/2005 02:59:00 PM
1 Comments:
Hello from Montreal, Canada.
My name is Wren and I just happened upon your blog today.
I have a family friendly discussion forum, and am trying to get discussion on various sects...or just plain old christian discussion! There is a christian section which already has a couple of threads (sects) in progress. Please feel free to join in the discussion or, if you don't see your church mentioned in any of the topic titles in that section, please feel free to create your own new topic for it.
http://s3.invisionfree.com/Hearts_Afire
Registration is free and the forum rules can be found here....
http://s3.invisionfree.com/Hearts_Afire/index.php?showtopic=1854
It would be an honour to have you post there...that is if you wish to, of course.
Have a wonder filled day!
Post a Comment
<< Home