HB722: Grand juries; oath of jurors and witnesses.

HOUSE BILL NO. 722
Offered January 11, 2006
Prefiled January 10, 2006
A BILL to amend and reenact § 19.2-197 of the Code of Virginia, relating to the linguistic style of grand jury instructions.
Patron-- McQuigg

Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice

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.