Civil Grand Jury
The Civil Grand Jury investigates and reports on the operation of
county and local government entities. The Grand Jury also investigates
misconduct by local public officials. Amador
County Grand Jury
P.O. Box 249
Jackson, CA 95642
Telephone: 209-223-2574
Court Liasion for Grand Jury: 209-257-2658
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History
The Grand Jury is an investigatory body created
for the protection of society and the enforcement of the law.
The U.S. Constitution's Fifth Amendment and the California Constitution call
for Grand Juries. Grand juries were established throughout California
during the early years of statehood.
As constituted today, the Grand Jury is a part of the Judicial
Branch of government, an arm of the Court.
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Functions
There are two types of Grand Juries--civil and
criminal. The Grand Jury in Amador County is impaneled only
for civil purposes.
Complaints
As part of the civil function, the
Grand Jury receives many letters from citizens alleging mistreatment
of officials, suspicions of misconduct, or governmental inefficiencies.
Complaints received from citizens are acknowledged and investigated
for their validity. Such complaints are kept confidential.
If, in the course of their investigations,
the Grand Jury finds willful misconduct in office by public officials
or employees, the Grand Jury can issue an accusation
for removal of office.
Inspection
The Grand Jury may examine all aspects of county
and city government and special districts to ensure that the best
interests of Amador County citizens are being served. The
Grand Jury reviews and evaluates procedures, methods and systems
utilized by county government to determine whether more efficient
and economical programs may be employed. The Grand Jury is
also authorized to:
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Inspect
and audit books, records and financial expenditures to ensure
that public funds are properly accounted for and legally spent.
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Inspect
financial records of special districts in Amador County.
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Inquire
into the conditions of jails and detention centers.
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Inquire
into charges of willful misconduct in office by public officials
or employees.
All
Grand Jury findings & recommendations are issued in written
reports at the end of each fiscal year. Each report must be approved
by at least 12 members of the Grand Jury. Within 60 to 90
days following issuance of a report, officials responsible for matters
addressed in the report are required to respond in writing.
The new Grand Jury reviews the responses of the affected public
agencies. Grand Jury reports become public record and are available
for viewing on this website reports.
As
can be seen, the Grand Jury works to ensure that the best interests
of the citizens of the county are being served.
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Organization
In
Amador County, the Grand Jury is impaneled annually and is comprised
of 19 members. The Superior Court Judge appoints a foreperson
who presides at all full jury proceedings and is responsible for
directing the business of the Grand Jury.
Grand
Jurors are officers of the Court but work as an independent body.
It is critical to the effectiveness and credibility of the Grand
Jury that all members function without influence from outside parties.
Most
grand jury work is done by committees. These may include:
Audit & Finance, County Administration, Education, Health &
Human Services, Law Enforcement and Planning & Environment.
Other committees may be appointed as required.
The
Grand Jury and its committees meet several times a week. They
meet with county and city officials, visit county facilities, and
conduct independent research on matters of interest or concern.
The committees report to the full Grand Jury and conclusions are
reached after discussion and study of the issues. The jury
may seek advice or request the services of the County Counsel, District
Attorney, Advisory Judge of the Superior Court, or State Attorney
General.
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Selection
The selection process begins in March of each year. A Grand
Jury candidate pool is developed from voter registration and Department
of Motor Vehicle records. Over 700 questionnaires are sent
out to potential candidates. After reviewing the questionnaires,
the Presiding Judge interviews approximately 70 candidates.
Of those interviewed, 30 will be invited back for a random selection
draw in which 19 members will be selected to serve as the Civil
Grand Jury for the coming fiscal year. These 19 members will be
sworn in and given a description of their duties and responsibilities.
This new Jury begins its year of service on July 1.
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Confidentiality
All complaints to the Grand Jury are confidential as are all Grand
Jury proceedings. Jurors may not discuss the business of the
jury with spouses, friends, or acquaintances. All discussion
of Grand Jury business must take place in private where it cannot
be overheard by non-jurors.
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Commitment
Persons selected for Grand Jury service must make a commitment
to serve a minimum of 10 hours per week for a period of one year
(July 1 through June 30).
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Remuneration
Grand Jurors receive a nominal payment for meetings and are reimbursed
for allowable travel.
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Why Become a Grand Juror?
Why become a Grand Juror? Because you can and will make a
difference!
It is a privilege and an honor to be selected. The opportunity
to serve may only occur once in a lifetime.
If and when you are asked to serve as a Grand Juror, you are encouraged
to accept this unique opportunity to represent the community in
which you live.
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Grand Jury Reports
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Citizen Complaint Form
The Citizen Complaint Form
(pdf format) should be used after other attempts have been
explored and have been unsuccessful.
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