Gordon v. Idaho
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
778 F.2d 1397 (1985)
Relevant factsFree
Gordon (plaintiff) sued Idaho (defendant) for civil rights violations; at trial, the judge insisted Gordon swear or affirm the truth of his testimony using specific required wording, which Gordon refused based on well-established religious beliefs, though he was willing to affirm in his own words that he understood his obligation to testify truthfully under penalty of perjury. The judge dismissed his suit for refusing to comply with the prescribed language.
IssueFree
Whether any statement indicating a witness understands the obligation to give truthful testimony satisfies the procedural oath or affirmation requirement.