Courtroom Oaths
(1) Oath for a Prospective Juror
Proposals:
Judge Hagerty Proposal
Do you promise to truthfully answer the questions you are asked about your qualifications to be a juror? So help you God.
Alternative Proposals
Do you solemnly swear your answers to the questions asked of you will be truthful, so help you God?
Do you solemnly swear to truthfully answer the questions you are asked, so help you God?
Ernest Lovin Proposal
Do you solemnly swear to truthfully answer the questions you are asked about your qualifications to be a juror, so help you God?
Sources:
Current Oath
You do solemnly swear that you will true answers make to all questions as shall be put to you touching your qualifications as a juror in the case now called for trial. So help you God.
North Dakota District Court Bench Book
You, and each of you, do solemnly swear or affirm that you will true answers give to such questions as may be put to you, touching upon your qualifications as jurors, in the case now on trial before the court. So help you God.
Affirmation in lieu of oath.
Substitute for words, So help you God, at end of oath, the following:
This you do affirm under the pains and penalties of perjury.
Bench Book for US District Court Judges
Do you solemnly swear [or affirm] that you will truthfully answer all questions that shall be asked of you touching your qualifications as a juror in the case now called for trial, so help you God?
Conn.Gen.Stat. 1-25
You solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be) that you will well and truly answer such interrogatories as shall be put to you, under the direction of the court, not immediately relating to the merits of the cause now in questions; so help you God.
(2) Oath for a Jury - Civil Case
Proposals:
Judge Hagerty Proposal
Do you promise to listen to all the evidence in this case, to follow the instructions given to you, to deliberate fairly and impartially and to reach a fair verdict? So help you God.
Judge Riskedahl Proposal
Do you promise to listen to all the evidence in this case, to follow the instructions given to you, to deliberate fairly and to reach a fair verdict?
Alternative Proposals
Do each of you solemnly swear to listen to, examine, and consider all of the evidence, to follow all of the Court's instructions, and to deliberate fairly and impartially when deciding this case, so help you God?
Do each of you solemnly swear to listen to, examine, and consider all of the evidence, and to deliberate fairly and impartially when deciding this case, so help you God?
Ernest Lovin Proposal
Do you as a group, and individually, solemnly swear that you will, to the best of your ability, try the matters in issue between the parties and render a true verdict according to law and the evidence, so help you God?
Sources:
Current Oath
You, and each of you, do solemnly swear, that you will well and truly try the matters in issue between the parties, and a true verdict render according to the evidence. So help you God.
Section 28-14-08, N.D.C.C.-Oath to jurors
As soon as the jury is completed the following oath must be administered to the jurors:
You, and each of you, do solemnly swear, that you will well and truly try the matters in issue between ___________, the plaintiff, and _______________, the defendant, and a true verdict render according to the evidence. So help you God.
If any person is conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath, he must be allowed to make affirmation, substituting for the words, "so help you God", at the end of the oath the following: "This you do affirm under the pains and penalties of perjury."
North Dakota District Court Bench Book
You, and each of you, do solemnly swear or affirm, that you will well and truly try the matters in issue between ____________, the plaintiff, and _________________, the defendant, and a true verdict render according to the evidence. So help you God.
Affirmation in lieu of oath.
Substitute for the words "So help you God" at the end of the oath following:
"This you do affirm under the pains and penalties of perjury."
North Dakota Trial Court Bench Book
Do you, and each of you, solemnly swear that you will well and truly try the matters in issue between ___________, the plaintiff, and ___________________, the defendant, and a true verdict render according to the evidence. [So help you God] [This you do affirm under the pains and penalties of perjury.] [Response.]
Bench Book for US District Court Judges
Do each of you solemnly swear [or affirm] that you will well and truly try the matters in issue now on trial and render a true verdict according to the law and the evidence, so help you God?
Minn.Stat.Annot. 358-07
You each do swear that you will impartially try the issues in this case, and a true verdict give, according to law and the evidence given you in court; your own counsel and that of your fellows you will duly keep; you will say nothing to any person concerning the case, nor suffer any one to speak to you about it, and will keep your verdict secret until you deliver it in court. So help you God.
SD Codified Laws 15-14-11
You, and each of you, do solemnly swear that you will well and truly try the matters in issue between ____________, the plaintiff, and ____________, defendant, and a true verdict render according to the evidence and instructions of the court. So help you God.
Any person having conscientious scruples against taking an oath shall be allowed to make affirmation, substituting for the word "swear" the word "affirm" and for the words "so help you God," the following: "This you do under the pains and penalties of perjury."
Rule 47(a), Ariz.R.Civ.P.
You do solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will well and truly try the issues now on trial and a true verdict render according to the law and the evidence, so help you God:
If a jurors affirms, the clause "so help you God" shall be omitted.
Conn.Gen.Stat. 3-25
You solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be) that you will well and truly try the issue or issues, now to be given you in charge, between the plaintiff and the defendant (or plaintiffs and defendants), according to the evidence given you in court, and the laws of this state, and accordingly a true verdict give; your own counsel, and your fellows', you will duly observe and keep; you will speak nothing, to any one, of the business or matters you have in hand, but among yourselves, nor will you suffer any one to speak to you about the same, but in court; and, when you are agreed upon any verdict, you will keep it secret until you deliver it up in court; so help you God.
(3) Oath for a Jury - Criminal Case
Proposals:
Judge Hagerty Proposal
Do you promise to listen to all the evidence in this case, to follow the instructions given to you, to deliberate fairly and impartially and to reach a fair verdict? So help you God.
Judge Riskedahl Proposal
Do you promise to listen to all the evidence in this case, to follow the instructions given to you, to deliberate fairly and to reach a fair verdict?
Alternative Proposals
Do each of you solemnly swear to listen to, examine, and consider all of the evidence, to follow all of the Court's instructions, and to deliberate fairly and impartially when deciding this case, so help you God?
Do each of you solemnly swear to listen to, examine, and consider all of the evidence, and to deliberate fairly and impartially when deciding this case, so help you God?
Ernest Lovin Proposal
Do you as a group, and individually, solemnly swear that you will, to the best of your ability, make a true deliverance and give a true verdict according to law and the evidence, so help you God?
Sources:
Current Oath
You and each of you do solemnly swear that you will well and truly try, and a true deliverance make, and a true verdict give according to the evidence. So help you God.
Section 29-17-12, N.D.C.C.-Number of jurors--How sworn
In all felony cases when a jury is impaneled, a jury must consist of twelve qualified jurors. In class A misdemeanor cases when a jury is impaneled, a jury must consist of six qualified jurors unless the defendant makes a timely written demand for a jury of twelve. In all other misdemeanor cases when a jury is impaneled, a jury must consist of six qualified jurors. Jurors must be sworn or affirmed well and truly to try and true deliverance make between the state of North Dakota and the defendant whom they have in charge, and to give a true verdict according to the evidence. The verdict must be unanimous. (Emphasis added.)
Section 29-17-14, N.D.C.C.-Juror may affirm
Any juror who is conscientiously scrupulous of taking the oath prescribed for jurors must be allowed to make affirmation, substituting for the words "so help you God", at the end of the oath, the following: "This you do affirm under the pains and penalties of perjury."
North Dakota District Court Bench Book
You, and each of you, do solemnly swear or affirm, that you will well and truly try and true deliverance make between the State of North Dakota and ________________________ whom they shall have in charge, and a true verdict render according to the evidence. So help you God.
Affirmation in lieu of oath:
Substitute for the words "So help you God" at the end of the oath the following:
"This you do affirm under the pains and penalties of perjury."
Bench Book for US District Court Judges
Do each of you solemnly swear [or affirm] that you will well and truly try, and true deliverance make, in the case now on trial and render a true verdict according to the law and the evidence, so help you God?
Minn.Stat.Annot. 358.07
You each do swear that, without respect of persons or favor of any person, you will well and truly try, and true deliverance make, between the state of Minnesota and the defendant, according to law and the evidence given you in court. So help you God.
Rule 18.6, Ariz.R.Crim.P.
Do you swear (or affirm) that you will give careful attention to the proceedings, abide by the court's instructions, and render a verdict in accordance with the law and evidence presented to you (so help you God)?
Section 768.14, Mich.Comp. Laws
You shall well and truly try, and true deliverance make, between the people of this state and the prisoner at bar, whom you shall have in charge, according to the evidence and the laws of this state; so help you God.
Section 768.15, Mich.Comp. Laws
Any juror shall be allowed to make affirmation, substituting the words "this you do under the pains and penalties of perjury" instead of the words "so help you God."
Conn.Gen.Stat. 1-25
You solemnly swear by the name of the ever-living God, (or affirm, as the case may be) that you will, without respect of persons or favor of any person, well and truly try, and true deliverance make, between the state of Connecticut and the defendant, whom you shall have in charge, according to law and the evidence before you; your own counsel, and your fellows', you will duly observe and keep; you will speak nothing, to any one, of the business or matters you have in hand, but among yourselves, nor will you suffer any one to speak to you about the same, but in court; so help you God.
(4) Oath for a Witness
Proposals:
Judge Hagerty Proposal
Do you promise to tell the truth and do you understand that you could be prosecuted for perjury if you do not? So help you God.
Judge Riskedahl Proposal
Do you promise that you will tell the truth and only the truth as you testify?
Alternative Proposal
Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
Sources:
Current Oath
Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you are about to give will be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?
Rule 603 N.D.R.Evid.-Oath or Affirmation
Before testifying, every witness must be required to declare that the witness will testify truthfully, by oath or affirmation administered in a form calculated to awaken the witness' conscience and impress the witness' mind with the duty to do so.
Bench Book for US District Court Judges
Do you solemnly swear [or affirm] that all the testimony you are about to give in the case now before the court will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
Minn.Stat.Annot. 358.07
You do swear that the evidence you shall give relative to the cause now under consideration shall be the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So help you God.
Conn.Gen.Stat. 1-25
You solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be) that the evidence you shall give, concerning the case now in question, shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth; so help you God.
For Witnesses Twelve Years of Age or Younger:
You promise that you will tell the truth.
13A Am.Jur. Legal Forms
Oath-General form
I, _____________, do solemnly swear that _____________ [state matters sworn to], so help me God.
Mont.Code Annot. 1-6-102
You do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be) that the evidence you shall give in this issue (or matter), pending between . . . and . . . , shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God.
SD Codified Laws 19-14-3.1
You do solemnly swear that the evidence you shall give relative to the matter in difference now in hearing between ___________, plaintiff, and ____________, defendant, shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God.
SD Codified Laws 19-14-3.2
You do solemnly affirm that the evidence you shall give relative to the matter in difference now in hearing between __________, plaintiff, and ___________, defendant, shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth under the pains and penalties of perjury.
Wash.Rev. Code 5.28.020
An oath may be administered as follows: The person who swears holds upon his hand, while the person administering the oath thus addresses him: "you do solemnly swear that the evidence you shall give in the issue (or matter) now pending between . . . and . . . shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God." If the oath be administered to any other than a witness giving testimony, the form may be changed to: You do solemnly swear you will true answers make to such questions as you may be asked," etc.
Utah Code Annot. 78-24-17
You do solemnly swear (or affirm) that the evidence you shall give in this issue (or matter) pending between __________________ and ______________________ shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God (or, under the pains and penalties of perjury).
Cal. Code 2094
You do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be), that the evidence you shall give in this issue (or matter), pending between _______ and ________, shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God.
Cal. Code 710
Every witness before testifying shall take an oath or make an affirmation or declaration in the form provided by law, except that a child under the age of 10, in the court's discretion, may be required only to promise to tell the truth.
Mass.Annot. Laws Ch. 233, 14
Form 1 Oath of Witness
You do solemnly swear to testify to the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So help you God.
Form 2 Oath of Witness--Another Form
You do solemnly swear that the evidence you ________ [shall or are about to] give in this ____________ [matter or issue], pending between _________ and ___________, shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God.
Affirmation of Witness
You do solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare and affirm that you will testify to the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. And this you do under the pains and penalties of perjury.
(5) Oath for a Deponent
Proposals:
Proposal
Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
Sources:
Bench Book for US District Court Judges
Do you solemnly swear [or affirm] that all the testimony you are about to give in the matter now in hearing will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
Minn.Stat.Annot. 358.07
You do swear that the statements of this affidavit, by you subscribed, are true. So help you God.
(6) Oath for an Interpreter
Proposals:
Proposal
Do you solemnly swear to justly, truly, and impartially act as an interpreter to the best of your ability in the case now before the Court, so help you God?
Sources:
Section 31-01-11, N.D.C.C.-Interpreter for Witness--
When required--How subpoenaed--Oath or affirmation
When a witness does not understand the English language or speak the English language, or is deaf or unable to talk, an interpreter must be sworn to interpret for him. Any person who is a qualified interpreter may be subpoenaed by any court or judge to appear before such court or judge to act as an interpreter in any action or proceeding. The subpoena must be served and returned in like manner as a subpoena for a witness. Any person so subpoenaed who fails to attend at the time and place named in the subpoena is guilty of contempt. The oath or affirmation of the interpreter shall be as follows:
You do solemnly swear [affirm] that you will justly, truly, and impartially interpret to _______________ the oath [affirmation] about to be administered to him; and the questions which may be asked him, and the answers that he shall give to such questions, relative to the cause now under consideration before this court (or officer). So help you God.
Any interpreter who has conscientious scruples as to taking the oath above described shall be allowed to make affirmations, substituting for the words "So help you God" at the end of the oath the following:
This you do affirm under the pains and penalties of perjury.
Section 28-33-04, N.D.C.C.-Oath of Interpreter
Every interpreter appointed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall take an oath that he will make a true interpretation in an understandable manner to the person for whom he is appointed and that he will repeat the statements of such person in the English language to the best of his skill and judgment.
Rule 604, N.D.R.Evid.
An interpreter is subject to the provisions of these rules relating to qualifications as an expert and the administration of an oath or affirmation to make a true translation.
Bench Book for US District Court Judges
Do you solemnly swear [or affirm] that you will justly, truly, fairly, and impartially act as an interpreter in the case now before the court, so help you God?
Minn.Stat.Annot. 358.07
You do swear that you will truly and impartially interpret to this witness the oath about to be administered to the witness, and the testimony the witness shall give relative to the cause now under consideration. So help you God.
SD Codified Laws 19-14-4.1
You do solemnly swear that you will justly, truly, and impartially interpret to _________________ the oath about to be administered to him; and the questions which may be asked him and the answers that he shall give to such questions, relative to the cause now under consideration before this court (or officer), to help you God.
SD Codified Laws 19-14-4.2
You do solemnly affirm that you will justly, truly, and impartially interpret to _____________ the oath about to be administered to him; and the questions which may be asked him and the answers that he shall give to such questions, relative to the cause now under consideration before this court (or officer), under the pains and penalties of perjury.
(7) Oath for a Bailiff
Proposals:
Judge Hagerty Proposal
Do you promise to perform your duties as bailiff to the best of your ability without bias and to obey the orders of the Court? So help you God.
Alternative Proposal
Do you promise to impartially perform your duties as bailiff to the best of your ability, and to obey the orders of the Court, so help you God?
Sources:
Current Oath
You do solemnly swear that you will faithfully, impartially, and to the best of your ability, discharge the duties of Bailiff of this Court, to which office you have been appointed, and strictly obey all orders of the Court and your superiors as such bailiff during the present term thereof now being held. So help you God.
Bench Book for US District Court Judges
Do you solemnly swear [or affirm] that you will faithfully, impartially, and to the best of your ability discharge the duties of crier [bailiff] of this court, to which office you have been appointed, and will strictly obey all orders of the court and your superiors as crier [bailiff] during the session now being held, so help you God?
Minn.Stat.Annot. 358.07
You do swear that you will keep this jury together, and, so far as may be, secluded, so long as they shall remain in your charge; will suffer no one to communicate with or overhear them while deliberating upon their verdict; and will not by word or sign disclose, except to the court alone, anything that may come to your knowledge concerning their action in this case until they are duly discharged.
(8) Oath for a Bailiff -- To Conduct Jury to View Place
Proposals:
Judge Hagerty Proposal
Do you promise to conduct the entire jury to the area directed by the Court and to return them without unnecessary delay and do you promise you will not permit anyone to communicate with them about any subject connected with the trial? So help you God.
Alternative Proposal
Do you promise to conduct the entire jury to and from the area directed by the Court without unnecessary delay, and to prohibit anyone from communicating with a juror about the case, so help you God?
Sources:
Current Oath
You do solemnly swear that you will conduct this jury in a body to view the place (at which the offense is said to have been committed) (which is the subject of litigation) (in which any material fact occurred) and that you will permit no person to speak or communicate with them, nor to do so yourself, on any subject connected with the trial; and that you will return them into Court without necessary delay. So help you God.
Bench Book for US District Court Judges
Oath to crier (bailiff) to conduct jury to view place
Do you solemnly swear [or affirm] that you will, together with the United States Marshal, keep this jury together and permit no one to talk to them, aside from the guides, nor talk to them yourself regarding the case under consideration, until discharged by the court, so help you God?
Oath to guides to conduct jury to view place
Do each of you solemnly swear [or affirm] that you will guide this jury on an inspection of the _____________ involved in this action and that you will permit no one to talk to them, nor talk to them yourselves, regarding the case under consideration, except as instructed by the court, so help you God? If so, answer "I do."
(9) Oath for a Bailiff - To Keep Jury During Adjournment
Proposals:
Judge Hagerty Proposal
Do you promise to keep the entire jury together until they are returned to Court and do you promise not to permit anyone to communicate with them concerning any subject connected with the trial? So help you God.
Alternative Proposal
Do you promise to keep the jury together when the jury is not in Court, and to prohibit anyone from communicating with a juror about the case, so help you God?
Sources:
Current Oath
You do solemnly swear that you will keep the jurors composing this panel together until the next meeting of this Court, and during all other adjournments of the Court during the trial of this case; that you will suffer no person to speak or communicate with them, nor do so yourself, on any subject connected with the trial; and that you will return them into Court at the next meeting thereof. So help you God.
Bench Book for US District Court Judges
Do you solemnly swear [or affirm] that you will keep the jurors composing this panel together until the next meeting of this court, and during all other adjournments of the court during the trial of this case; that you will permit no person to speak or communicate with them, nor do so yourself, on any subject connected with the trial; and that you will return them into court at the next meeting thereof, so help you God?
Minn.Stat.Annot. 358.07
You do swear that you will keep together this jury until they return into court, and that in the meantime you will suffer no one to speak to them, nor speak to them yourself, concerning the cause on trial, or any matter relating thereto.
(10) Oath for a Bailiff -- To Keep Jury After Cause Submitted
Proposals:
Judge Hagerty Proposal
Do you promise to keep the jury together until they are returned to the Court and not to permit anyone to communicate with them unless you are ordered to do so by the Court? So help you God.
Alternative Proposal
Do you promise to keep the jury together until the jury is returned to Court, and to prohibit anyone from communicating with a juror, so help you God?
Sources:
Current Oath
You do solemnly swear to keep this jury together in some private and convenient place, and not to permit any person to speak or communicate with them, nor to do so yourself unless by order of the Court or to ask whether they have agreed on a verdict, and return them into Court when they have so agreed, or when ordered by the Court. So help you God.
Section 28-14-18, N.D.C.C.-Conduct of jurors in retirement
When the case finally is submitted to the jurors, they may decide in court or retire for deliberation. If they retire, they must be kept together in some convenient place under charge of an officer, until they agree upon a verdict, are temporarily dismissed by the court, or are permanently discharged by the court. Unless, by order of the court, the officer having the jurors under the officer's charge must not suffer any communication to be made to them, or to make any himself except to ask them if they have agreed upon a verdict, and the officer, before the verdict is rendered, must not communicate to anyone the state of their deliberations or the verdict agreed upon. Where the jurors have not agreed upon a verdict during normal working hours of any day of deliberations, the trial judge may temporarily dismiss the jurors and direct them when to resume deliberations. Where a trial jury contains both male and female members, the trial judge may direct that the female members of the jury be placed in charge of a female bailiff and permitted to retire to a suitable place for rest, and the male members of the jury placed in charge of a male bailiff for a similar purpose. In all cases where the jurors are dismissed or separated, as above stated, the trial judge shall admonish the members thereof that they must not in any manner discuss the case with anyone, nor permit anyone to discuss it with them, while they are so dismissed or separated, and that they must discuss and consider the case only in the room when all members of the jury are present.
Section 29-22-02, N.D.C.C.-Custody of jurors.
The jurors shall retire in charge of one or more officers who must be sworn to keep them together in some private and convenient place until they have rendered their verdict. Such officer or officers shall furnish food and other necessaries to the jurors, at the expense of the state, as directed by the court, and may not speak to nor communicate with such jurors or any of them nor permit any other person so to do except by order of the court. Men and women jurors may retire, when rest or sleep or propriety requires it, to separate rooms.
North Dakota District Court Bench Book
You do swear or affirm that you will keep these jurors together in some quiet and convenient place, that you will not permit any person to speak to them or speak to them yourself except by order of the court or to ask them whether they have agreed upon a verdict, and that you will return them into court when they have agreed upon verdict or when ordered by the court. [ 28-14-18.]
North Dakota District Court Bench Book
You do swear or affirm that you will keep these jurors together in some quiet and convenient place, you will not permit any person to speak to them or speak to them yourself except by order of court or to ask them whether they have agreed upon verdict, and you will return them into court when they have agreed upon verdict or when ordered by court. [ 29-22-02.]
(11) Oath for a Grand Jury
Proposals:
Proposal
Do each of you solemnly swear to listen to, examine, and consider all of the evidence, to follow all of the Court's instructions, and to decide matters placed before you in accordance with the law and evidence presented, so help you God?
Sources:
Section 29-10.1-12, N.D.C.C.-Oath of grand juror
You, as members of this grand jury, shall diligently inquire into, and true presentment make, of all public offenses against this state, committed or triable within this county, which will be brought to your attention or come to your knowledge. You will keep your own counsel, and that of your fellows, and of the state, and, except when required in the due course of judicial proceedings, must not disclose the testimony of any witness examined before you, nor disclose anything which you or any other grand juror may have said, nor the manner in which you or any other grand juror may have voted on any matter before you. You shall indict no person through malice, hatred, or ill will, nor leave any unindicted through fear, favor, or affection, nor for any reward or the promise or hope thereof, but in all your indictments, you shall present the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, according to the best of your skill and understanding. So help you God.
North Dakota District Court Bench Book
You, as members of this grand jury, shall diligently inquire into, and true presentment make, of all public offenses against this state, committed or triable within this county, which will be brought to your attention or come to your knowledge. You will keep your own counsel, and that of your fellows, and of the state, and, except when required in the due course of judicial proceedings, must not disclose the testimony of any witness examined before you, nor disclose anything which you or any other grand juror may have said, nor the manner in which you or any other grand juror may have voted on any matter before you. You shall indict no person through malice, hatred, or ill will, nor leave any unindicted through fear, favor, or affection, nor for any reward or the promise or hope thereof, but in all your indictments, you shall present the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, according to the best of your skill and understanding. So help you God.
Bench Book for US District Court Judges
Do each of you solemnly swear [or affirm] that you shall diligently inquire into and make true presentment or indictment of all such matters and things touching your present grand jury service that are given to you in charge or that otherwise come to your knowledge; to keep secret the counsel of the United States, your fellows, and yourselves; and not to present or indict any person through hatred, malice, or ill will or to leave any person unpresented or unindicted through fear, favor, or affection or for any reward or for the hope or promise thereof, but in all your presentments and indictments to present the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth to the best of your skill and understanding, so help you God?
Rule 12.1, Ariz.R.Crim.P.
I swear (or affirm) that I will give careful attention to the proceedings, abide by the court's instructions, and decide matters placed before the grand jury in accordance with the law and evidence presented to me (so help me God).
Iowa Code Annot. 813.2, Rule 3
Do each of you, as the grand jury, solemnly swear or affirm that you will diligently inquire and true presentment make of all public offenses against the people of this state, triable on indictment within this county, or which you have or can obtain legal evidence; you shall present no person through malice, hatred, or ill will, nor leave any unpresented through fear, favor, or affection, or for any reward, or the promise or hope thereof, but in all your presentments that you shall present the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, according to the best of your skill and understanding?
Conn.Gen.Stat. 1-25
You solemnly swear by the name of the ever-living God, (or affirm, as the case may be) that you will diligently inquire after, and due presentment make, of all breaches of law that shall come to your knowledge, according to your charge; the secrets of the cause, your own, and your fellows', you will duly observe and keep; you will present no person from envy, hatred or malice; neither will you leave any person unpresented, from love, fear or affection, or in hope of reward; but you will present cases truly, as they come to your knowledge, according to the best of your understanding and according to law; so help you God.
Minn.Stat.Annot. 358.07
You each do swear that you will diligently inquire, and true presentment make, of all public offenses committed within this county of which you have legal proof; the counsel of the state and of yourself and fellows you will keep secret; you will present no person through malice or ill-will, nor leave any unrepresented through fear or favor, or the receipt or hope of reward, but will present things truly to the best of your understanding and according to law. So help you God.
Utah Code Annot. 77-10a-9
Do you, and each of you, solemnly swear that you will diligently inquire into and make true presentment or indictment of all matters and things as are given you in charge or otherwise come to your knowledge, touching upon your grand jury service; to keep secret the counsel of the state, your fellows, and yourselves; to not present or indict any person through hatred, malice, or ill will; to not leave any person unpresented or unindicted through fear, favor, or affection, nor for any reward, or hope or promise thereof; but in all your investigations, presentments, and indictments to seek and present the trust, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, to the best of your skill and understanding? If so, answer, "I do."
(12) Oath for a Grand Jury Witness
Proposals:
Proposal
Do you solemnly swear you will not divulge, either by words or signs, any matter about which you may be questioned, and you will keep secret all of the proceedings of the grand jury conducted in your presence, and you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
Sources:
Section 29-10.1-25, N.D.C.C.-Oath or affirmation to witness
You do solemnly swear (affirm) that you will not divulge, either by words or signs, any matter about which you may be interrogated, and that you will keep secret all proceedings of the grand jury which may be had in your presence, and that you will answer truthfully such questions as may be propounded to you by the grand jury, or under its direction, so help you God.
Any witness who has conscientious scruples as to the oath above described must be allowed to make affirmations substituting for "So help you God" at the end of the oath the following:
"This you do affirm under the pains and penalties of perjury."
(13) Oath for a Grand Jury Reporter
Proposals:
Proposals
Do you solemnly swear you will accurately record to the best of your ability the evidence about to be presented, and you will keep secret the testimony taken, and the evidence considered by the Grand Jury, so help you God?
Do you solemnly swear you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of North Dakota, and you will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of court reporter of the Grand Jury to the best of your ability; and you will keep secret the testimony taken and evidence considered by the Grand Jury except as you may be required by law to disclose, so help you God?
Sources:
Article XI, 4, N.D. Const.
Members of the legislative assembly and judicial department, except such inferior officers as may be by law exempted shall, before they enter on the duties of their respective offices, take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm as the case may be) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of North Dakota; and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of _________ according to the best of my ability, so help me God" (if an oath), (under pains and penalties of perjury) if an affirmation, and no other oath, declaration, or test shall be required as a qualification for any office or public trust.
North Dakota District Court Bench Book
You do solemnly swear or affirm that you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of North Dakota; that you will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of court reporter of the Grand Jury to the best of your ability; and that you will keep secret the testimony taken and evidence considered by said Grand Jury except as you may be required by law to disclose the same, so help you God.
Bench Book for US District Court Judges
Do you solemnly swear [or affirm] that you will well and truly take and record the evidence about to be presented to this grand jury; that you will translate such testimony as required; and that you will keep secret all information you receive as reported at these grand jury proceedings, except on order of the court, so help you God?
(14) Oath for a Grand Jury Bailiff
Proposals:
Proposal
Do you solemnly swear to impartially perform the duties of your office to the best of your ability, to obey your instructions, and not to eavesdrop or communicate with the grand jurors regarding any matter being considered by them, so help you God?
Sources:
North Dakota District Court Bench Book
You do solemnly swear or affirm that you will faithfully, impartially, and to the best of your ability, discharge the duties of bailiff of this court, to which office you have been appointed, and strictly obey all orders of the court and your superiors as such bailiff during the session of the grand jury; that you will not eavesdrop on, speak to, nor communicate with the grand jurors, whether in session or in recess, regarding any matter being considered by them, nor will you permit any other persons, other than witnesses and the prosecuting attorney, to so eavesdrop, communicate, or speak, so help you God.
Minn.Stat.Annot. 358.07
You do swear that, as officer of the grand jury, you will keep their counsel and that of the state, and not disclose anything relative to their proceedings. So help you God.
Iowa Code Annot. 813.2, Rule 3
Do you solemnly swear that you will faithfully and impartially perform the duties of your office, that you will not reveal to anyone its proceedings or the testimony given before it and will abstain from expressing any opinion upon any question before it, to or in the presence or hearing of the grand jury or any member thereof?
(15) Affirmation
Proposals:
Proposal
A person conscientiously opposed to taking an oath must be allowed to make an affirmation instead of taking an oath, by substituting the word "affirm" for the word "swear" and substituting the phrase "under the pains and penalties of perjury" for the phrase "so help you God."
Sources:
Rule 43, N.D.R.Civ.P.
(d) Affirmation in Lieu of Oath. Whenever under these rules an oath is required to be taken, a solemn affirmation shall be accepted in lieu thereof as provided by the North Dakota Rules of Evidence.
Section 44-05-02, N.D.C.C.-Person May Affirm.
A person conscientiously opposed to swearing may affirm and is subject to the penalties of perjury as in case of swearing.
13A Am.Jur. Legal Forms
189:12 Affirmation-General form
I, ________________, do solemnly affirm that ___________ [state matters affirmed], under the pains and penalties of perjury.
Minn.Stat.Annot. 358.08
If any person of whom an oath is required shall claim religious scruples against taking the same, the word "swear" and the words, "so help you God" may be omitted from the foregoing forms, and the word "affirm" and the words "and this you do under the penalties of perjury" shall be substituted therefor, respectively, and such person shall be considered, for all purposes, as having been duly sworn.
(16) Criminal Offenses
Sources:
Sec. 12.1-11-01. Perjury
1. A person is guilty of perjury, a class C felony, if, in an official proceeding, he makes a false statement under oath or equivalent affirmation, or swears or affirms the truth of a false statement previously made, when the statement is material and he does not believe it to be true.
2. Commission of perjury need not be proved by any particular number of witnesses or by documentary or other types of evidence.
3. Where in the course of one or more official proceedings, the defendant made a statement under oath or equivalent affirmation inconsistent with another statement made by him under oath or equivalent affirmation to the degree that one of them is necessarily false, both having been made within the period of the statute of limitations, the prosecution may set forth the statements in a single count alleging in the alternative that one or the other was false and not believed by the defendant to be true. Proof that the defendant made such statements shall constitute a prima facie case that one or the other of the statements was false, but in the absence of sufficient proof of which statement was false, the defendant may be convicted under this section only if each of such statements was material to the official proceeding in which it was made.
Sec. 12.1-11-02. False statements
1. A person is guilty of a class A misdemeanor if, in an official proceeding, he makes a false statement, whether or not material, under oath or equivalent affirmation, or swears or affirms the truth of such a statement previously made, if he does not believe the statement to be true.
2. A person is guilty of a class A misdemeanor if, in a governmental matter, he:
a. Makes a false written statement, when the statement is material and he does not believe it to be true;
b. Intentionally creates a false impression in a written application for a pecuniary or other benefit, by omitting information necessary to prevent a material statement therein from being misleading;
c. Submits or invites reliance on any material writing which he knows to be forged, altered, or otherwise lacking in authenticity;
d. Submits or invites reliance on any sample, specimen, map, boundarymark, or other object which he knows to be false in a material respect; or
e. Uses a trick, scheme, or device which he knows to be misleading in a material respect.
3. This section does not apply to information given during the course of an investigation into possible commission of an offense unless the information is given in an official proceeding or the declarant is otherwise under a legal duty to give the information. Inapplicability under this subsection is a defense.
4. A matter is a "governmental matter" if it is within the jurisdiction of a government office or agency, or of an office, agency, or other establishment in the legislative or the judicial branch of government.