Oath
a solemn affirmation or declaration made with an appeal to God for the truth of what is affirmed. By the appeal peal to the Supreme Being, the person making oath is understood to invoke His vengeance if that which is affirmed or declared is false; or, in case of a promissory oath, if the promise or obligation is willfully broken. Oaths are of two kinds: (1) Assertory oaths, or those oaths by which the truth of a statement is affirmed; as an oath sworn to the truth of an affidavit; (2) promissory oaths, or those oaths by which something is promised, or an obligation is assumed; as, the oaths of witnesses; the oath of allegiance, by which the person taking the oath promises allegiance to the government. Modern legislation has also provided particular forms of oaths, having permitted affirmations to be made by persons who have conscientious objections to take an oath. Witnesses are allowed to swear to the truth of their evidence in any way which is binding on their consciences. Also a careless and blasphemous use of the name of the Divine Being, or of anything divine or sacred, either by way of appeal or im- OATMEAL precation, or as a profane exclamation or ejaculation. Ex officio oath, in old English law, an oath whereby any person was obliged to make any presentment of any crime or offense, or to confess or accuse himself or herself of any criminal matter or thing, whereby he or she might be liable to any censure, penalty, or punishment whatsoever.