The truth,the whole truth and nothing but the truth

Posted by Victoria S Dennis on November 22, 2005

In Reply to: The truth,the whole truth and nothing but the truth Posted by Dana Edgar on November 22, 2005

: I'm seeking the origins of the phrase "the truth,the whole truth and nothing but the truth..." used to swear in a witness in court. Thanks

It has been used in English law courts since the Middle Ages, possibly from time immemorial (that's technically the year 1189, by the way); it certainly was in use by the 13th century. Nobody is credited with having invented it; it probably just evolved as the simplest and most satisfactory formula. (VSD)

• The truth,the whole truth and nothing but the truth Lewis 28/November/05