Swearing in is the process of holding witnesses accountable for their official statements, as in a court proceeding such as a criminal or civil trial. While a witness is sworn in, everything they say must be true, or else they can be charged with perjury.

In Christian countries such as the U.S., a witness will place one hand on the Bible and raise the other hand, though the Bible is rarely used in court proceedings today. A common oath taken is,

Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth (so help you God)?

The answer is,

I do.

Officials are often sworn into office in a similar way.

## Koran controversy[edit]

America's first Muslim congressman, Keith Ellison (D - Minn.), said he would carry a Koran to his swearing-in ceremony.[1]

## Notes[edit]

1. ↑ At swearing in, congressman wants to carry Koran. Outrage ensues