Војничка заклетва у Србији у XIX и почетком XX века
Soldier`s Oath in Serbia in 19th and the Beginning of 20th Century – Legal Framework

Summary/Abstract: Swearing an oath is legally regulated by laws, rule books, decisions and clarifications. The first regulation on soldier’s oath can be found in Vojeni Ustav (Military Constitution) from 1813, which never came in force. The decrees on soldier’s oath were passed in 1836, 1839, 1840, 1861, 1883, 1901 and 1904. In the first half of 19th century, there was a hierarchy of oaths, in accordance with the ranks. From the second half of 19th century, the pattern of oath was same for all the members of the army. Soldiers swore the oath at the beginning of their military service, while officers had to take an oath in writing in addition to swearing it orally. In the first half of 19th century, the oath was taken in the church, but from the second half of the century swearing the oath was performed in garrisons. Civilians serving in the army took an oath in compliance with the provisions of the Law on civil servants from 1864. Members of the committees for military procurement value assessment swore the oath in accordance with the Law on military procurement from 1899. Priests played the most prominent role at oath taking ceremonies. Soldiers swore the oath with their three fingertips of the right hand joined and raised to the height of the head. In 1900, a form of the oath for Muslim and Jewish soldiers was enacted into law.

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