Bill Text: VA HB76 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Grand jury; clarifies oaths of foreman, jurors, and witnesses.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-04-08 - Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0713) [HB76 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HB76-Enrolled.html
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.
From The court shall select a foreman from among
the persons summoned who attend the court shall select a foreman who
shall be sworn as follows: "You shall Do you solemnly swear (or
affirm) that you will diligently inquire into, and true
presentment make, of carefully consider all such matters as may
be given you in charge, or come to your knowledge, touching the that
come to your attention concerning this present service. You shall
present, and do you solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will indict
no person through prejudice or ill-will, nor leave any unpresented
unindicted through fear or favor, but in all your presentments you shall
will present the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So,
(so help you God.)?" The other grand jurors shall
afterwards be sworn as follows: "The same oath that your foreman
has taken on his part, do you and each of you shall solemnly
swear (or affirm) that you will observe and keep the same on your
part. So, (so help you God.)?" Any witness
testifying before the grand jury may be sworn by the foreman.