Rule 15 Affirmation Instead of Oath

If a court form or process asks you to swear an oath, you can make a solemn affirmation instead. An affirmation is a formal promise to tell the truth that does not involve swearing on a religious text or invoking God.

This matters for people who have religious beliefs or personal reasons that prevent them from taking a traditional oath. The court treats an affirmation the same as an oath, so your documents and statements carry the same legal weight either way.