Oaths

Last revised September 11, 2025

Barristers' and solicitors' oath

Section 2-84 of the Law Society of British Columbia Rules requires any lawyer who is called to the Bar of British Columbia and admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court to take a barristers' and solicitors' oath in a form approved by the Benchers.  The current form was adopted by the Benchers in April 1993 in response to a proposal to eliminate the requirement to swear an oath of allegiance to the Queen. 

The oath that was used prior to April 1993 is contained in the Professional Conduct Handbook, 1988-1992 (p. 1).

Oaths of office for Parliament (Federal)

• The Swearing-In of a New Ministry
• Oath of Allegiance; Oath of Members of the Privy Council; Oath of Office
• Oaths of Office Regulations, C.R.C., c.1242
• Oaths of Allegiance Act, R.S.C. 1985, c.O-1

Oaths of office for Parliament (BC)

• Oath of Allegiance
• Oaths of Allegiance, Office and Confidentiality
• Oaths of Allegiance, Office and Revenue

Oaths of Office (Vancouver)

• Mayor of Vancouver
• Police Board

Commissioners for Oaths

• Canada Evidence Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-5, s. 13 - who can administer oaths
• Evidence Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 124, s. 56 - Appointment of commissioners for taking affidavits
• Evidence Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 124, s. 59 - Powers of commissioners
• Evidence Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 124, s. 60  - Commissioners because of office or employment

Public Service Oath

• Public Service Oath

Judges Oath

• BC County Court
• BC Provincial Court
• BC Supreme Court
• BC Court of Appeal
• Supreme Court of Canada

Interpreters Oath

• Interpreter Oath
• Interpreter Affirmation
• Interpreter Oath - Sign Language (Accused)
• Interpreter Affirmation - Sign Language (Accused)
• Interpreter Oath - Sign Language (Witness)
• Interpreter Affirmation - Sign Language (Witness)

Juror's Oaths (Canada)

• Criminal Code, RSC 1985, c C-46, s 631(4)
  • the clerk will swear the jury and any other person providing support, but the nature of the oath to be sworn is not specified

Juror's Oaths (BC)

• Jury Act, RSBC 1996, c 242, s 18
  • the court must administer an oath
• Jury Act, RSBC 1996, c 242, s 32
  • allows a juror to make a solemn affirmation or declaration rather than being sworn
• Evidence Act, RSBC 1996, c 124, s 20
  • allows for affirmations rather than religious oaths

Witness' Oath

• Canada Evidence Act, RSC 1985, c C-5, s 14
  • making a solemn affirmation instead of an oath
• Canada Evidence Act, RSC 1985, c C-5, s 15(1)
  • permitting “the person to make a solemn affirmation in the words following, namely, “I, ......., do solemnly affirm, etc.”
• Canada Evidence Act, RSC 1985, c C-5, s 15(2)
  • anyone who makes an affirmation is liable to indictment and punishment for perjury in all respects.
• Witness Oath
• Swearing Witnesses at Examinations for Discovery
• Witness Affirmation
• Reminder to witness re Oath/Affirmation

A witness testifying in a court case must promise to tell the truth by swearing an oath or making a solemn affirmation. Witnesses may swear an oath on a book of faith or a cultural item that binds their conscience. If the witness wishes to swear or affirm their oath using a religious or cultural item other than the Bible, it is the responsibility of the party calling the witness or their counsel to make arrangements for the appropriate item to be available. When a witness wants to swear a special oath, at least two weeks' notice should be given to the Court Registry to ensure that the Court Clerk will be able to administer the oath.  

Uncommon Oaths 

• Scottish Oath
• Candle Oath; Saucer Oath
• Chicken Oath
• Paper Oath
• Islamic/Muslim Oath; Buddhist Oath
• Japanese Oath; Orthodox Jewish Oath
• Hindu Oath
• Quaker/Moravian Oath
• Parsee Oath
• Non-Christian oaths ordered by religious affiliation (includes the Sikh and Doukhobor Oaths)