An oath is a type of promise made by a participating individual. When an individual makes an oath, he/she will usually call upon an entity that he/she believes to be sacred, which, in most instances, is God. There are many different types of oaths that an individual may be required to make, depending upon the surrounding circumstances.
For example, when an individual becomes a doctor, he/she will be required to declare the Hippocratic Oath, in which he/she promises to uphold high values and ethics while practicing medicine. Other common types of oaths include oaths of citizenship, oaths of office, and oaths of allegiance. In the United States, individuals who are providing testimonies or statements in criminal cases or civil cases must take an oath prior to providing this information.
In a criminal case or a civil case, the information provided by witnesses functions as vital evidence. The testimonies that are provided play a large role in the official decision made by the jury. The jury will consider all of the evidence, including testimony, when deciding the fate of a defendant.
Therefore, it is extremely important that the information provided is accurate and truthful. False information can significantly compromise the integrity of a case. All witnesses are required to take an oath before they testify. In this oath they swear to only provide truthful information. If a witness lies while under oath, he/she has committed perjury. Perjury is considered to be a very serious offense that can have severe consequences for individuals who partake in this behavior.
