199.Affirmation is, for jurors in criminal trials, a non-religious alternative to taking the oath. The form of affirmation is currently governed by section 6 of the Oaths Act 1978 and the Criminal Procedure Rules(5) and requires a juror who is affirming to do so individually. This differs from the position where jurors are taking the oath, where they do so all together. The amendment made by section 63 would allow jurors choosing to affirm to do so collectively and without having to say their names in court, as they currently have to do.
Crown Application Solemn proceedings Section 63 – form of jury affirmation