New Jersey Assembly Bill A2643

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/14/22

Caption

Removes outdated reference to kissing Bible formerly associated with administration and solemnity of oaths in court or any legal proceeding.

Impact

The immediate impact of A2643 would be to amend R.S.41:1-4, aligning the legal requirements of oath-taking with current societal norms. By recognizing that a mere hand placement on a Bible during an oath suffices, the bill removes a long-held tradition that may not reflect the current beliefs and practices around oaths. This modernization could help ensure that oaths are taken seriously without the necessity of ceremonial acts that do not resonate with all individuals today, thereby promoting inclusivity in legal processes

Summary

Assembly Bill A2643 aims to modernize the legal framework governing oaths administered in court or any legal proceeding by eliminating outdated language related to the act of kissing the Bible. Historically, the requirement to kiss the Bible was a common practice to indicate the solemnity of the oath. The bill seeks to clarify that such an act is not necessary for the validity of an oath, which is still bound by the act of placing a hand on the Bible. This change reflects contemporary practices and the evolving nature of legal customs in New Jersey.

Contention

While the bill may not face significant opposition given its nature of removing outdated legal references, it does raise discussions about the relevance of traditional practices in today's society. Some may view the act of kissing the Bible as an important solemn ritual, while others see it as an antiquated practice that does not necessarily reflect the values of a diverse population. As such, the bill engages with broader conversations about the intersection of tradition and modernity in legal practices.