Effective Date: 2010/07/01
Updated Date: 2025/06/06
Summary:
This Practice Direction describes some administrative aspects of oaths and affirmations in court proceedings including the use of religious or cultural items other than the Bible.
Direction:
- Before a witness for a party is called to give evidence, the party or counsel must advise the court clerk whether that witness wishes to swear or affirm their oath.
- If the witness wishes to swear or affirm their oath using a religious or cultural item other than the Bible, it is the responsibility of the party calling the witness or their counsel to make arrangements for the appropriate item to be available.
- In the event of any concern that a religious or cultural item a witness intends to use is not compatible with the dignity, decorum and/or safety of the court proceeding, the court clerk or sheriff will notify the presiding judge, associate judge or registrar and seek direction.
Ron A. Skolrood
Chief Justice