system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: In court, why do you need to place your hand on the bible for the oath. Also, say a Jewish person went to court. Would they place it on their holy book? What about atheists?
gpt
(In the USA) You *can* use the book of texts of your faith, if that's your choice.  So you could do it on a Bible, Torah, Koran, or what have you.  Some Judges are fine with it.  Other Judges do not allow books, objects or anything else to be used, just your word in a public affirmation.

You don't have to use any sort of physical object to swear on, though.  All they're really interested in is getting you to say, in court, that you aren't lying.  Because if you are, you're going to do some jail time.