"... but widely accepted as an indication of a true oath ."
"But totally unrequired and unnecessary . Whether it is a witness at a trial or a deposition , member of a jury or a grand jury , use of the Bible and even the words , `` ... so help me God. `` are not required . Any person may refuse the Bible and the words and instead opt to make an affirmation . All that is necessary is to inform the judge that you prefer to do so . Everyone else may take the oath and then anyone who desires makes an affirmation . In the affirmation there is no `` swearing , `` merely a promise . The affirmation carries the same expectations and penalties as the oath . A friend did so in a court once . He did n't know what kind of reaction from the attorneys and judge to expect . He got no reaction whatsoever . The clerk just put down the Bible and administered the affirmation . This is from Article II , Section 1 of the Constitution , regarding the President :"
"indication of a true oath ."
"In the affirmation there is no `` swearing , `` merely a promise ."