It's illegal to lie to the court. Even if all oaths weren't utterly worthless, one made under duress is inherently invalid. This one serves literally no purpose other than to psychologically dominate a person.

[–] kmkz_ninja@lemmy.world 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It's just a more formal affirmation. Lots of people "promise" things they have no intention of really trying. It's a grander gestire for grander consequences.

[–] RegularGoose@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

No it isn't. Oaths aren't "grand gestures," they're just silly. This one is worse than silly; it's the rough equivalent of a school bully putting you in a headlock and not letting you go until you agree to whatever bullshit he wants from you, and beating the shit out of you if you won't.

[–] kmkz_ninja@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It's a "grander gesture" (quote me correctly pls) than an informal promise with a friend. Do you consider signing a lease or a mortgage to be the rough equivalent of a school bully putting you in a headlock?

[–] RegularGoose@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 year ago

No, because I can refuse to sign the lease and I won't get put in prison for that. Swearing a compulsory oath under threat of imprisonment in a sitiation you were forced to be in isn't any kind if gesture, it's just submission to coersion, nothing more, nothing less.