Rule 25 Authorizations to Administer Oaths

This rule explains who can swear in witnesses during recorded court proceedings in North Dakota. When someone testifies in court, they need to take an oath promising to tell the truth. This rule lists exactly which court workers have the authority to give that oath.

The people allowed to do this include court reporters, judicial referees, magistrates, and municipal judges. It also includes district court employees who the presiding judge picks for this job, employees who work for the clerk of district court, and court staff chosen by a municipal judge. Basically, the rule makes sure that only qualified court staff, not just anyone, can legally swear someone in.

For people involved in a case, this means you can trust that whoever swears you in has the legal power to do so. It also means courts have flexibility, since judges can designate specific staff members to handle this task when needed.