A [[person]] taking an oath indicates this in a [[number]] of ways. The most usual is the explicit "I swear," but any [[statement]] or [[promise]] that includes "with * as my witness" or "so help me *," with '*' being something or someone the oath-taker holds [[sacred]], is an oath. Many people take an oath by holding in their hand or placing over their head a [[book]] of [[scripture]] or a sacred object, thus indicating the sacred [[witness]] through their [[action]]: such an oath is called corporal. However, the chief [[purpose]] of such an [[act]] is for [[ceremony]] or solemnity, and the act does not of itself make an oath. | A [[person]] taking an oath indicates this in a [[number]] of ways. The most usual is the explicit "I swear," but any [[statement]] or [[promise]] that includes "with * as my witness" or "so help me *," with '*' being something or someone the oath-taker holds [[sacred]], is an oath. Many people take an oath by holding in their hand or placing over their head a [[book]] of [[scripture]] or a sacred object, thus indicating the sacred [[witness]] through their [[action]]: such an oath is called corporal. However, the chief [[purpose]] of such an [[act]] is for [[ceremony]] or solemnity, and the act does not of itself make an oath. |