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File #: 24-038    Version: 1
Type: Other Proposal Status: Discussion Agenda
File created: 11/14/2023 In control: Judicial Council
On agenda: 11/15/2024 Final action:
Title: Judicial Council-Sponsored Legislation | Juror and Prospective Juror Oaths Using Plain Language (Action Required)
Attachments: 1. 24-038 Juror and Prospective Juror Oaths PPT, 2. 20241115-24-038 - updated 20241120

Title

Title

Judicial Council-Sponsored Legislation | Juror and Prospective Juror Oaths Using Plain Language (Action Required)

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Summary

Summary

The Court Executives Advisory Committee and its Jury Administration

and Management Subcommittee recommend the Judicial Council sponsor

legislation to amend Code of Civil Procedure section 232 to use plain

language for the juror and prospective juror oaths (i.e., the perjury

acknowledgment and agreement) provided therein. Using plain language

will improve comprehension by jurors and prospective jurors and will

align with other plain-language jury instructions used by the California

judicial branch. If the Judicial Council sponsors this legislation, it could

become effective as early as January 1, 2026.

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Recommendation

Recommendation

The Court Executives Advisory Committee and its Jury Administration and Management Subcommittee recommend that the Judicial Council sponsor legislation to amend Code of Civil Procedure section 232, effective January 1, 2026, to use plain language for the juror and prospective juror oaths provided therein.

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Speakers

Speakers

Mr. Darrel E. Parker, Chair, Court Executives Advisory Committee Jury Administration and Management Subcommittee

Mr. Stephen Michael Tow, Business Management Services