An affirmation in law is a solemn declaration allowed to those who conscientiously object to taking an oath, such as members of the Society of Friends (Quakers).

Quakers believe in speaking the truth at all times, and so the act of only swearing to truth in court, rather than in everyday life would imply double standards. Thus they refuse to swear an oath in a court of law.

Be pat­terns, be examples in all coun­tries, places, islands, nations, wherever you come, that your car­riage and life may preach among all sorts of people, and to them; then you will come to walk cheer­fully over the world, answer­ing that of God in every one.

George Fox, 1656

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