Legal Definitions - so help me God

The phrase "so help me God" is a traditional and solemn concluding statement used in formal oaths and affirmations, primarily within legal and governmental contexts. It signifies a profound personal commitment by the individual taking the oath to uphold the truth, fulfill a duty, or abide by a promise, often invoking a divine power as a witness or guarantor of their sincerity.

By adding "so help me God," the oath-taker expresses a personal belief that their adherence to the oath is not just a legal obligation but also a moral or spiritual one, implying that divine assistance is sought to keep the promise, or that divine judgment might be incurred if the oath is broken.

• Example 1: A Witness in Court

  Before testifying in a high-profile criminal trial, a key witness is asked to place their hand on a Bible and swear an oath. The court clerk states, "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?" The witness responds, "I do," and then adds, "so help me God."

  This illustrates the term by showing the witness's personal and solemn vow to be truthful. By concluding with "so help me God," the witness emphasizes the gravity of their promise to the court, acknowledging not only the legal consequences of perjury but also a deeper, personal accountability for their words.

• Example 2: A Newly Elected Public Official

  During an inauguration ceremony, a newly elected governor stands before a crowd and takes the oath of office. They recite the pledge to uphold the state constitution and faithfully execute the duties of their office, concluding with the words, "so help me God."

  Here, "so help me God" underscores the governor's personal dedication and moral obligation to serve the public with integrity. It transforms the legal requirement of the oath into a deeply personal commitment, invoking a higher power to assist them in fulfilling their extensive responsibilities.

• Example 3: A Juror's Pledge

  During jury selection for a civil case, prospective jurors are asked to swear an oath to fairly and impartially consider the evidence presented and to render a verdict based solely on the facts. Each potential juror, when asked if they will uphold this duty, responds with "I will, so help me God."

  This example demonstrates the term's use in ensuring impartiality and fairness. By adding "so help me God," the juror makes a personal pledge to set aside any biases and conscientiously apply the law to the facts, reinforcing their commitment to justice beyond just the legal mandate.