An oath of office is a statement which someone makes in the process of being formally inducted into office. Such oaths are commonly used by officials such as heads of state, legislators, and cabinet members. They can also be seen in use in civilian organizations, such as clubs and associations, which elect members into leadership positions. The content of an oath of office varies considerably, depending on the organization.
When an oath of office is administered, it is usually done in public or in the presence of other members of the organization. The oath is administered by someone in an authority to do so, such as a higher officer of the organization or, in the case of a head of state, a person of high position and integrity such as the Chief Justice of the Court or a religious officiant. The person taking the oath repeats the oath after the administrator, and at the completion of the oath is considered officially inducted into office, with all the rights and responsibilities thereof.
Oaths of office usually include a pledge to respect the integrity and dignity of the office. The oath taker may also be required to swear loyalty to a text, government, or higher official, as seen in the United States where members of Congress swear to uphold the Constitution when they enter office. Likewise, officials such as the Governor-General of Australia are required to swear loyalty to the English monarch when they take their oaths of office.
Once someone has taken an oath of office, the terms of the office may mean that violating the oath can result in being tried for treason or high crimes. In other cases, violating the oath of office will result in simple impeachment or removal from office. When preparing to take office, people usually go over the responsibilities and rights of the position so that they understand what they are committing to when they take the oath publicly.
Members of some religions have objections to being asked to "swear" in an oath. These individuals are offered the option of "affirming" or "declaring" when they take an oath of office. Arrangements must be made ahead of time with the person administering the oath to make sure that the right language will be used. Atheists and agnostics may object to wording such as "so help me God" which is used in some oaths, and they may choose not to use this language as it contradicts their personal beliefs.