1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to judiciary; requiring oaths by attorneys and judges; prohibiting 
1.3 	communications made outside presence of the parties; providing that polygraph 
1.4 	evidence is admissible per se in civil proceedings;amending Minnesota Statutes 
1.5 	2012, sections 481.071; 484.01, by adding a subdivision; proposing coding for 
1.6 	new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 484; 602.
1.7 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.8 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 481.071, is amended to read:
1.9 	481.071 OATH; MISCONDUCT BY ATTORNEYS.
1.10 	(a) Before appearing on behalf of a client in a judicial proceeding, an attorney shall 
1.11 	take an oath or affirmation to support the constitution of the United States and of this state 
1.12 	and to faithfully represent the client to the best of the attorney's judgment and ability.
1.13 	(b) Every attorney or counselor at law who shall be guilty of any deceit or collusion, 
1.14 	or shall consent thereto, with intent to deceive the court or any party, or who shall delay 
1.15 	the attorney's client's suit with a view to the attorney's own gain, shall be guilty of a 
1.16 	misdemeanor and, in addition to the punishment prescribed by law therefor, shall forfeit to 
1.17 	the party injured treble damages, to be recovered in a civil action.

1.18 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 484.01, is amended by adding a subdivision 
1.19 	to read:
1.20 		Subd. 3.Oath. Before presiding over a civil or criminal proceeding, a judge shall 
1.21 	take and subscribe an oath in the form prescribed by law for judicial officers.

1.22 	Sec. 3. [484.085] PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS; CIVIL PROCEEDINGS.
2.1 	A judge shall accord to every person who has a legal interest in a civil proceeding 
2.2 	the right to be heard according to law. A judge shall not initiate, permit, or consider 
2.3 	communications made to the judge outside the courtroom concerning a pending or 
2.4 	impending civil matter, except in the presence of all the parties and their lawyers.

2.5 	Sec. 4. [602.05] POLYGRAPH EVIDENCE.
2.6 	In any civil hearing or trial, the results of a polygraph test, when performed by a 
2.7 	person who has been fully trained in polygraph testing and examinations, are admissible in 
2.8 	evidence without antecedent expert testimony that polygraph instruments are trustworthy 
2.9 	and reliable.