Maxim 9.2.1
To swear is to call God as witness, and is an act of divine worship.
Jurare est Deum in testem vocare, et est actus divini cultus.
Source: 3 Inst. 165; Jackson, No. 459; Weisman, 84j
Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable
Explanation
The oath invokes the highest authority — the Almighty — as surety of truth, making perjury not only a civil offense but a transgression against the divine order.
Where this applies
- I want to understand the significance of taking an oath in court.
- Someone is treating their sworn testimony casually and I want to challenge that.
- The seriousness of sworn statements doesn't seem to be taken seriously enough.
Legal domains
See also
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 9.2.1 — To swear is to call God as witness, and is an act of divine worship. — 3 Inst. 165; Jackson, No. 459; Weisman, 84j (Jurare est Deum in testem vocare, et est actus divini cultus.)
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