§ 165 [Definition of Oath]

When a court rule or law mentions an "oath," it covers more than just the traditional hand-on-the-Bible promise. It also includes an affirmation or a written declaration where someone states that the information is true under penalty of perjury.

This means you do not have to swear in a religious way to satisfy legal requirements. If you sign a document saying the information is true and correct under penalty of perjury, that carries the same legal weight as taking an oath in court. Lying in either case can lead to criminal charges for perjury.