Arizona

Criminal Procedure

Criminal Procedure

Rule 12.1 – Selecting and Preparing Grand Jurors

(a)Summons. Grand jurors are summoned and impaneled as provided by law.
(b)Voir Dire. Each prospective grand juror must be examined under oath or affirmation to confirm that the prospective juror will act impartially and without prejudice, and that the prospective juror is qualified under A.R.S. ยง 21-201. Inquiry also may be made about other relevant subjects.
(c)Oath. Each grand juror must take the following oath: “I swear (or affirm) that I will give careful attention to the proceedings, abide by the court’s instructions, and decide matters placed before the grand jury in accordance with the law and evidence presented to me (so help me God).”
(d)Instructions. The court must inform the grand jurors of:

(1) the duty to be present at each grand jury session;
(2) the duty to inquire into every offense that is presented;
(3) the duty of a grand juror to disqualify himself or herself in a particular matter for any of the reasons listed in Rule 12.2;
(4) the duty to return an indictment only if they are convinced there is probable cause to believe an offense has been committed and the person under investigation committed it;
(5) the right to ask the State to present additional evidence; and
(6) the confidentiality of grand jury matters and materials, and the penalties for unlawful disclosure.

Ariz. R. Crim. P. 12.1

Added August 31, 2017, effective January 1, 2018.

HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES

Former Rule 12.1, relating to selection and preparation of grand jurors, was abrogated effective January 1, 2018.