The people in the court need to know that you understand how important it is to tell the truth about what happened.

So the whole court knows you are promising to tell the truth you will be asked to take an oath or an affirmation. An oath is when you swear on a bible or another religious book to tell the truth, and an affirmation is making a promise to tell the truth.

Normally the court officer will lead the witness to the witness box and then the court officer will ask them whether they wish to take an oath or an affirmation. The standard way this is done is by asking the question, “When you promise to tell the truth, do you wish to make a promise to God or one to the court?” They are both of equal value.

Once the witness has answered the court officer they will be asked to remain standing and to face the judicial officer. The court officer will recite the oath or affirmation and then ask the witness to adopt the oath or affirmation by saying the words, “I do”.

Children might be asked if they know the difference between the truth and a lie.