AFFIRMATION

in law, a form of safeguard against false testimony allowed in place of an oath (q.v.) to those who cannot, because of conscience, swear an oath. Quakers, Jehovah's Witnesses, and other persons who have conscientious scruples against taking an oath are allowed to make affirmation in any manner they may declare to be binding upon their consciences, in confirmation of the truth of testimony that they are about to give.