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General Laws of Massachusetts - Chapter 277 Indictments and Proceedings Before Trial. - Section 1 Issuance of writs of venire facias for grand jurors; attendance at sittings of court

Legal Research Home > Massachusetts Laws > Indictments and Proceedings Before Trial > General Laws of Massachusetts - Chapter 277 Indictments and Proceedings Before Trial. - Section 1 Issuance of writs of venire facias for grand jurors; attendance at sittings of court

Section 5. The clerk of the court shall prepare an alphabetical list of the names of all persons returned as grand jurors, and, when they are to be impanelled, the first two persons named thereon shall be first called, and the following oath shall be administered to them:

You, as grand jurors of this inquest for the body of this county of       , do solemnly swear that you will diligently inquire, and true presentment make, of all such matters and things as shall be given you in charge; the commonwealth’s counsel, your fellows’ and your own, you shall keep secret; you shall present no man for envy, hatred or malice, neither shall you leave any man unpresented for love, fear, favor, affection or hope of reward; but you shall present things truly, as they come to your knowledge, according to the best of your understanding; so help you God.

The other jurors shall then be called in such divisions as the court considers proper, and the following oath shall be administered to them:

The same oath which your fellows have taken on their part, you and each of you on your behalf shall well and truly observe and keep; so help you God.

Last modified: March 17, 2010