Whenever an oath is required by this Code, the affirmation of a person, conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath shall have the same effect.
§ 72.Affirmation
Chapter 2: General Provisions · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified August 3, 2026
In one sentenceSection 72 gives an affirmation the same legal effect as an oath whenever this Code requires one, for anyone conscientiously scrupulous about swearing an oath.
Full Text of § 72
Amendment History
R.L. 1910, § 5340.
Plain-English Summary
Section 72 accommodates people who won't swear an oath for reasons of conscience. Wherever this Code requires an oath, a person conscientiously scrupulous of taking one can affirm instead, and that affirmation carries the same legal effect as the oath would.
That matters for the affidavits Sections 61 and 64 require — a surety justifying qualifications, or a freeholder valuing real estate, can affirm rather than swear without weakening the affidavit's legal force.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone affirm instead of swearing an oath in an Oklahoma court proceeding?
Yes, if they're conscientiously scrupulous about taking an oath, their affirmation has the same effect as an oath under this Code.
Does an affirmation carry less legal weight than a sworn oath?
No, the section gives it the same effect.
Who qualifies to affirm instead of swear?
Anyone conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath — the section doesn't require a specific religious or personal belief, just that scruple.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes, enacted by the Oklahoma Legislature.
Last verified August 3, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: affirmation instead of oath Oklahomaconscientious objection to swearing oathaffirm rather than swear in courtoath or affirmation equal effect