Loyalty Oath Law and Legal Definition
Loyalty oath is an oath through which an individual declares allegiance to the government and its institutions. Through such loyalty oaths, the individual disclaims any support of foreign ideologies or associations. Loyalty oaths are made by various classifications of public officials and persons working in sensitive government positions. Such oaths are considered constitutional. People employed in military service are also required to take loyalty oaths. The contents of loyalty oaths vary, reflecting the political climates of the times. Loyalty oaths are often invoked during times of stress, such as wars, or when the government perceives an outside threat to security. However, loyalty oaths vague and susceptible to wide interpretation are considered as unconstitutional.