New Mexico Forms Library

14-8002. Grand jury proceedings; oath to grand jurors.¹

            You will now stand and repeat the following oath:

            Do you, as members of this grand jury, swear or affirm that:

                        you will conscientiously inquire into __________________ (state reason for which grand jury called);

                        you will in returning any indictment or making any report or undertakings present the truth according to the best of your skill and understanding;

                        you will refrain from indicting any person through malice, hatred or ill will or not indicting any person through fear, favor or affection or for any reward or the hope or promise thereof;

                        you will forever keep secret whatever you or any other juror may have said or voted on during any matter you consider; and

                        you will keep secret the testimony of any witness heard by you unless ordered to disclose the same in the trial or prosecution of the witness for perjury before the grand jury?

            You are now impaneled and sworn as grand jurors comprising the grand jury, drawn by the district court of the __________________ judicial district of New Mexico within and for the county of __________________.

            You shall select one of your number as foreperson as your first order of business. After you have selected your foreperson, notify the court of your selection.

            Your term as members of the grand jury expires __________________² unless you are discharged or excused by the court prior to this time.

            If you have any questions at any time, please do not hesitate to ask the court or any other district judge. You may now begin serving as grand jurors.

USE NOTES

            1.         This oath or affirmation or any other oath or affirmation which generally complies with 31-6-6 NMSA 1978 (1979) and Rule 11-603 NMRA must be administered prior to qualification of members of the grand jury.

            2.         Members of a grand jury may not serve for a period longer than three months. § 31-6-1 NMSA 1978 (1983).

[As amended by Supreme Court Order No. 08-8300-008, effective March 21, 2008.]