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Oaths
Last revised March 31, 2021

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.  Click for a copy of the Benchers' minutes and the current Barristers' and Solicitors' Oath.

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)

Oaths of office for Parliament (BC)

Oaths of Office (Vancouver)

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

Judges Oath

Interpreters Oath

Stenographers' Oaths

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

Witnesses may swear an oath on a book of faith that binds their conscience. When a witness wants to swear on a holy book other than the Bible, they should notify the lawyer that is calling them as a witness in order that arrangements can be made to have the book 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. If no lawyer is involved and a witness wishes to bring their own holy book or swear a special oath, the Court Registry should be notified at least two weeks ahead of trial for arrangements to be made. 

Uncommon Oaths 

 

References