Legal Question in Constitutional Law in Alabama
Why to ''Tell the truth'' is not enough.
Why, in Criminal Court, does one swear to ''Tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth''? Why is swearing to tell the truth not enough?
Asked on 7/17/02, 6:19 am
1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Aspinwall
Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC
Re: Why to ''Tell the truth'' is not enough.
1. Telling the truth does not cover all bases. Telling the whole truth means speaking the truth of a matter whether or not you are asked for all relevant details.
2. Nothing but the truth simply means you won't speak untruths - different from telling the whole truth.
3. Some courts administer the oath as follows: "You solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you are about to give will be truthful."
Answered on 7/17/02, 10:53 am
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