The referees must be sworn or affirmed well and faithfully to hear and examine the cause, and to make a just and true report therein, according to the best of their understanding. The oath may be administered by any person authorized to take depositions.
§ 618.Oath of Referee
Chapter 11: Trial · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified August 3, 2026
In one sentenceSection 618 requires referees to be sworn or affirmed to hear and examine the case faithfully and report on it justly and truly, an oath that anyone authorized to take depositions can administer.
Full Text of § 618
Amendment History
R.L. 1910, § 5024.
Plain-English Summary
Before hearing a case, a referee takes an oath, or an affirmation, promising to hear and examine the cause faithfully and to make a report that's just and true, to the best of the referee's understanding.
Section 618 doesn't require a judge to administer that oath. Anyone already authorized to take depositions can do it, which keeps the referee process moving without a separate court appearance just for swearing in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What must a referee swear to before hearing a case?
To hear and examine the cause faithfully and to make a just and true report, to the best of the referee's understanding.
Who can administer the referee's oath?
Anyone authorized to take depositions, not only a judge.
Can a referee affirm instead of swearing an oath?
Yes, the section allows the referee to be sworn or affirmed.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes, enacted by the Oklahoma Legislature.
Last verified August 3, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: Oklahoma referee oath12 O.S. § 618who administers referee's oathswear or affirm referee