Why the "especially in court or as a public statement"?
When the justice system fail the people, why should we continue to honor it? Our Court system no longer seeks justice, just legal controls of the people.
Is this the type of court you mean?
Have you ever read this White Paper?
When I said "in a court or as a public statement" I meant in terms of legality. Obviously people shouldn't lie even at home, generally speaking, unless they need to in order to protect themselves and those around them.
For instance, if a thief breaks into your house and asks where your guns are, it would be stupid to tell him the truth.
But lying in a court of law or as a public statement should be illegal.
Whether the courts currently are full of crap or not is not my point.
I believe...
There are more inherently good people than bad people.
A man is only as good as his word.
Once lost personal credibility is more difficult to restore than credit.
If my child committed a crime I would help. If my child told me a lie. I would turn away for that lie would have made my child a stranger.
Honesty is a valuable gift protect it!