§ 16-2-101 — Methods of administration

(a) The usual mode of administering oaths practiced by the person who swears, laying his or her hand on and kissing the Gospels, shall be observed in all cases in which an oath is or may be required by law to be administered, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. (b) Every person who shall desire it shall be permitted to swear with an uplifted hand in the following form: "You do solemnly swear, etc." (c) Every person who shall declare that he or she has conscientious scruples against taking an oath or swearing in any form shall be permitted to make his or her solemn declaration or affirmation in the following form: "You do solemnly and truly declare and affirm". (d) Whenever the court or magistrate by whom any person is about to be sworn, shall be satisfied that the person has any peculiar mode of swearing connected with or in addition to any of the forms mentioned in this section, which mode is more solemn and obligatory in the opinion of the person, the court or magistrate may adopt that mode of swearing. (e) Every person believing in any religion other than the Christian religion shall be sworn according to the peculiar ceremonies of his or her religion, if there are any such ceremonies, instead of any of the other modes prescribed in this section. Rev. Stat., ch. 105, §§ 1-5; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4175-4179; Pope's Dig., §§ 5185-5189; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 40-101 -- 40-105.