Word of the Week: To Affirm (verb)
Study Legal English Word of the Week:Affirm
Definition: To formally make a serious promise to do something e.g. tell the truth in court with the same legal effects as taking an oath. An affirmation is a non-religious alternative to swearing an oath (an oath normally has reference to God).
Example Jury Oath and Affirmation: “[Oath: I swear by Almighty God / Affirmation: I do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm] that I will faithfully try the defendant and give a true verdict according to the evidence.”
Example Witness Oath and Affirmation: “[Oath: I swear by Almighty God / Affirmation: I do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm] that the evidence I shall give shall be the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth.“
Example: The witness affirmed before testifying.
This word features in Episode 68 of the Study Legal English Podcast
