II, Sec. 28 Oath to petit jury

Before a trial jury starts hearing a case, the jurors have to take an oath. This can be given by the judge, or the clerk can do it if the judge allows it.

The oath asks jurors to promise they will be fair to both sides. They must promise to make their decision based only on the evidence presented and the law they are given, not on personal opinions or outside information. This oath applies unless the court dismisses the jury before the case is finished.

This step happens near the start of a trial. It reminds jurors of their duty to stay neutral and base their verdict only on what happens in the courtroom.