§ 9-10-20. Oaths of jurors.
Grand and petit jurors, before acting as such, shall take the oath prescribed for them in the following terms:
GRAND JURORS OATH
“You severally and solemnly swear (or, affirm) that as members of the grand inquest for the body of the county (or counties) of _______ you will diligently inquire and true presentment make of all such crimes and misdemeanors cognizable by this court as shall come to your knowledge: the state's council, your fellow's and your own, will keep secret: will present no person for envy, hatred or malice: neither will you leave any person unpresented for love, fear, favor, affection or hope of reward: but you will present things truly, as they come to your knowledge, according to the best of your understanding: So help you God. (Or: This affirmation you make and give upon peril of the penalty of perjury.)”
PETIT JURORS OATH IN CRIMINAL CASES
“You swear (or, affirm) that you will well and truly try and true deliverance make between the state of Rhode Island and the prisoner (or, defendant) at the bar according to law and the evidence given you: So help you God. (Or: This affirmation you make and give upon peril of the penalty of perjury.)”
PETIT JURORS OATH IN CIVIL CASES
“You swear (or, affirm) that in all cases between party and party, that shall be committed to you, you will give a true verdict therein, according to law and the evidence given you: So help you God. (Or: This affirmation you make and give upon peril of the penalty of perjury.)”
History of Section.
P.L. 1920, ch. 1948, § 33; G.L. 1923, ch. 329, § 33; G.L. 1938, ch. 506, § 31; G.L.
1938, ch. 506, § 29; P.L. 1939, ch. 700, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-10-20; P.L. 2021, ch.
77, § 6, effective June 23, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 78, § 6, effective June 23, 2021.