HB722: Grand juries; oath of jurors and witnesses.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That § 19.2-197 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§ 19.2-197. Foreman of grand jury; oaths of jurors and witnesses.
A. From among the persons summoned who
attend the court, there shall be selected
a foreman who shall be sworn as follows: "You shall diligently inquire,
and make true
presentment make, of all such matters
as may be given you in charge, or come to your
knowledge, touching charged to you or
known to you concerning the present grand jury service.
You shall present no person throughnot
allow prejudice or,
ill-willill will,
nor leave any unpresented through fear,
or favor, but in to influence your
deliberation. In all your presentments, you
shall present the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So help
you God."
B. The other grand jurors shall
afterwards be sworn as follows: "The You
are bound by the same oath that your
that
has been administered to the foreman has taken on his
part, you and each of you shall observe and keep on your part. So
help you God."
C. Any witness testifying before the grand jury may be sworn by the foreman.