AFFIRMATION

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AFFIRMATION

AFFIRMATION, practice. A solemn declaration and asseveration, which a witness makes before an officer, competent to administer an oath in a likecase, to tell the truth, as if be had been sworn. 2. In the United States, generally, all witnesses who declarethemselves conscientiously scrupulous against taking a corporal oath, arepermitted to make a solemn affirmation, and this in all cases, as wellcriminal as civil. 3. In England, laws have been enacted which partially relieve personswho, have conscientious scruples against taking an oath, and authorize themto make affirmation. In France, the laws which allow freedom of religiousopinion, have received the liberal construction that all persons are to besworn or affirmed according to the dictates of their consciences; and aquaker's affirmation has been received and held of the same effect as anoath. Merl. Quest. de Droit, mot Serment, Sec. 1. 4. The form is to this effect: "You, A B, do solemnly, sincerely, andtruly declare and affirm," &c. For the violation of the truth in such case,the witness is subject to the punishment of perjury as if he had been sworn. 5. Affirmation also means confirming; as, an affirmative statute.

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