Section 556.6. Administering Oath to Grand Jury and Foreperson

(A) After the selection of the members of the grand jury, the supervising judge shall administer the oath separately to the foreperson and deputy foreperson and then to the other grand jurors. The supervising judge shall then charge the grand jury concerning its duties.

(B) The supervising judge shall administer the oath to the grand jury in substantially the following form:

‘‘You, as grand jurors, do solemnly swear that you will make diligent inquiry with regard to all matters brought before you as well as such things as may come to your knowledge in the course of your duties; that you will keep secret all that transpires in the jury room except as authorized by law; that you will neither approve any indictment or present any person for hatred, envy or malice, or refuse to approve any indictment or present any person for love, fear, favor, or any reward or hope thereof; and that you will present all things truly to the court as they come to your knowledge and understanding.’’

(C) The supervising judge shall administer the oath to the foreperson and deputy foreperson in substantially the following form:

‘‘You, as foreperson, do solemnly swear that you will make diligent inquiry with regard to all matters as shall be given you in charge; that you will keep secret all that transpires in the jury room, except as authorized by law; that you will neither approve any indictment or present any person for hatred, envy or malice, or refuse to approve any indictment or present any person for love, fear, favor, or any reward or hope thereof; and that you will present all things truly to the court as they come to your knowledge and understanding.’’

Comment

It is intended that all grand jurors, including alternate grand jurors, will be sworn at this time.

Official Note

New Rule 556.6 adopted June 21, 2012, effective in 180 days.

Committee Explanatory Reports:

Final Report explaining the new rule published with the Court’s Order at 42 Pa.B. 4153 (July 7, 2012).

The provisions of this Rule 556.6 adopted June 21, 2012, effective in 180 days, 42 Pa.B. 4140.