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The Bible should never have been used for swearing-in ceremonies in court. It was always improper and clearly forbidden by the Bible itself. Matthew 5:33-37 states:
33. Again ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths.
34. But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne.

35. Nor by the earth; for it is His footstool; neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
36. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
37. But let your communication be Yea, yea; Nay, nay; for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

If the words of Jesus and the Bible mean anything to you at all, then you can clearly see that this is the wrong thing to do. It is enough to just ask a witness if the testimony that they are about to give is the truth? A simple "yes" reply is enough. The custom of swearing on the Bible is just wrong any way that you look at it. It is a sin. Also, the Bible does not mean anything to many people for various reasons; such as being non-Christian, atheist or agnostic. This practice should also be banned for reason of separation of church and state.

Clearly the reason the practice was instituted was to show the serious nature of telling the truth. However, the practice of swearing-in is more serious than perjuring oneself. There is a fine and possible jail time for perjury. There is evil brought upon you for swearing. I am definitely in favor of ending this disrespectful practice.

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