§ 19.2-197. Foreman of grand jury; oaths of jurors and witnesses

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Code of Virginia
Title 19.2. Criminal Procedure
Chapter 13. Grand Juries

4/30/2025

§ 19.2-197. Foreman of grand jury; oaths of jurors and witnesses.

The court shall select a foreman from among the persons summoned who attend who shall be sworn as follows: "Do you solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will diligently inquire into and carefully consider all such matters that come to your attention concerning this present service, and do you solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will indict no person through prejudice or ill-will, nor leave any unindicted through fear or favor, but in all your presentments you will present the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, (so help you God)?" The other grand jurors shall afterwards be sworn as follows: "The oath that your foreman has taken on his part, do you and each of you solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will observe and keep the same on your part, (so help you God)?" Any witness testifying before the grand jury may be sworn by the foreman.

Code 1950, § 19.1-152; 1960, c. 366; 1975, c. 495; 2024, c. 713.