Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 8-415

Current with changes from the 2024 Legislative Session

Section 8-415 - Oaths

(a) Each grand juror shall take an oath in substantially the following form:

"I (swear/affirm) to act diligently and according to my best understanding with regard to all matters before the grand jury; except as lawfully ordered by this court or as expressly authorized by law, not to disclose willfully any evidence given before the grand jury, anything that I or another grand juror says, or my or any other grand juror's vote as to a matter before the grand jury; and not to act or refuse to act on any matter before the grand jury due to affection, malice, or other emotion or due to reward or hope or promise of reward."

(b) Each bailiff assigned to a grand jury shall take a written oath in substantially the following form:

"I (swear/affirm) to carry out my duties as bailiff to the grand jury to the best of my ability and knowledge; to deliver immediately and without alteration all papers and other things that the grand jury sends to this court; and not to disclose willfully any evidence given before the grand jury, anything that a grand juror says, or any grand juror's vote as to a matter before the grand jury, except as lawfully ordered by this court or as expressly authorized by law."

(c) Each grand jury clerk shall take a written oath in substantially the following form:

"I (swear/affirm) not to disclose willfully any evidence given before the grand jury, anything that a grand juror says, or any grand juror's vote as to a matter before the grand jury, except as lawfully ordered by this court or as expressly authorized by law."

(d) Each court reporter ordered to record testimony before a grand jury shall take a written oath in substantially the following form:

"I (swear/affirm) not to disclose willfully any evidence given before the grand jury, anything that a grand juror says, or any grand juror's vote as to a matter before the grand jury, except as lawfully ordered by this court or as expressly authorized by law; and not allow any governmental unit other than (the State's Attorney/other prosecutor) or person to see or have a copy of all or any part of the transcript except on a written order of this court passed after hearing the (State's Attorney/other prosecutor)."

(e) Each interpreter in a grand jury proceeding shall take an oath in substantially the following form:

"I (swear/affirm) to interpret accurately, completely, and impartially and, except as lawfully ordered by this court or as expressly authorized by law, not to disclose knowingly any information obtained while serving in this grand jury proceeding."

Md. Code, CJ § 8-415