Laura: Consider also the possibility that when your right hand is in the
air (or on the Bible, etc.) it's not on the hilt of your sword. Sort of a
gesture of peace and good faith. - Just a thought.
Ann
Ann Lucas
Serials Librarian
Thomas M. Cooley Law Library
P.O. Box 13038
Lansing, MI 48901 "They say "Time flies," but
how can you? They go by at
such irregular intervals!"
Ph: 517-371-5140, ext.608
Fax: 517-334-5715
email: lucasann@mlc.lib.mi.us
On Fri, 28 Feb 1997, Laura Ray wrote:
> Now here's a fun question - it's too late on Friday to
> continue this and thought I'd leave it to the list for the
> weekend. Does anyone know why we traditionally raise our
> right hand to take an oath (eg, a witness taking an oath
> before testifying)? I have found information on the
> "corporal oath" where one lifts up one or more arms invoking
> God's vengeance if one violates the oath being taken, but
> have not found specific reference to the right hand. Any
> ideas?
>
> Many thanks,
> Laura Ray
>
> *************************************************************
> Laura E. Ray, MA, MLS
> Media/Reference Librarian
> Cleveland-Marshall College 216-687-6880
> of Law Library FAX 216-687-5098
> 1801 Euclid Avenue
> Cleveland, OH 44115 laurar@jaslan.csuohio.edu
> *************************************************************
> Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
> None but ourselves can free our minds ...
> *************************************************************
>
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