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Blog Last Activity 8 years ago 361 views 5 comments

This isn't directly or indirectly related to gay sex, just a couple of questions I've been looking for answers to.  Why do Americans being installed into public office of some sort, before giving evidence in a court case, etc, hold up their right hand, fingers together, palm flat and vertical. Of what is it symbolic, what is the origin of this behaviour? Similarly, why do they put their right hand over their heart when swearing allegiance?  I know that both actions are long, established actions and that it might always have been done, but why?

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8 years ago

I think the most concise explanation you will ever receive is here: https://youtu.be/Ms5Dpow6kJI

gm4yngr
gm4yngr
8 years ago

I always thought we did that to keep our hands out of our pants pockets and prove that we are paying attention and not masturbating :-D

8 years ago

ok as an american and a christian i can tell you the reason for this is before god who we all know is our creator chances are most people under the eyes of god will be more likely too tell the truth and i figure this is y these actions are done in courts

darkknightreturns
darkknightreturns
8 years ago

years ago I was a witness in court and was to be sworn in with my hand on the Bible. I refused as I am Agnostic (I believe in a creator, not organised religion) and the judge smirked and agreed . The clerk then asked me to raise my hand and swear to tell the truth "so help me God" I again refused. The judge laughed and asked me if I will tell the truth and I said yes. He was quite understanding and accommodating.

8 years ago

In regards to the hand on heart it is out of respect. I guess because when you say something with your hand over your heart you tend to be more sincere. As for the hand in the air when swearing the oath, from what I have found it started out in England as a way to tell what a criminal before a judge had previously done as they used to brand criminals with certain marks for various crimes. here is a link to the article itself: http://nwsidebar.wsba.org/2013/10/21/raise-right-hand-court/