§ 602 Affirmation.

If a juror has religious or personal beliefs that keep them from swearing an oath, they don't have to say "so help you God." Instead, they can affirm that they will tell the truth, and the ending words change to "this you do affirm under the pains and penalties of perjury."

This means every juror has a way to promise they'll be honest during the trial, whether they take a religious oath or make a plain affirmation. Both versions carry the same legal weight. If a juror lies after affirming, they can be charged with perjury just like someone who took the traditional oath.

This rule exists so people whose beliefs don't allow them to swear oaths (for religious or personal reasons) can still serve on a jury without being forced to violate their conscience.