RULE 6.11 COURTROOM OATHS
(a) Oath. Unless an affirmation is used, an oath substantially in the following form must be administered:
(1) To a Prospective Juror.
(2) To a Jury in a Civil Case.
(3) To a Jury in a Criminal Case.
(4) To a Witness.
(5) To a Deponent.
(6) To an Interpreter.
(7) To a Bailiff.
(8) To a Bailiff to Conduct Jury to View Place.
(9) To a Bailiff to Keep Jury During Adjournment.
(10) To a Bailiff to Keep Jury After Cause Submitted.
(11) To a Grand Jury.
(12) To a Grand Jury Witness.
(13) To a Grand Jury Reporter.
(14) To a Grand Jury Bailiff.
(b) Affirmation. A person conscientiously opposed to taking an oath must be allowed to make an affirmation instead of taking an oath, by substituting the word "affirm" for the word "swear" and substituting the phrase "under the pains and penalties of perjury" for the phrase "so help you God."
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Rule 6.11 was adopted, effective ________________.
The intent of the rule is to modernize the language used in courtroom oaths and to consolidate the various oaths into one location.
SOURCES: Procedure Committee Minutes of ___________________.
STATUTES AFFECTED:
SUPERSEDED: Sections 28-14-08; 29-10.1-12; and 29-10.1-25. In Section 29-17-12, the language regarding an oath or affirmation. Section 29-17-14. In Section 31-01-11, the oath or affirmation for an interpreter.
CROSS REFERENCE: NDRCivP 43 (Evidence); NDREv 603 (Oath or Affirmation).