California's Grand Jury System

At our January 14 meeting, Rich Knowles, President of the California Association of Grand Jurists, gave an enlightening presentation about our state’s Grand Jury system-what it is, how it works and who can serve.  California adopted the Civil Grand Jury model to allow for investigation of county issues of local concern.  They act  as unbiased citizenl “watchdogs” of local  government activities and operations.  Each county in California has a Grand Jury comprised of 19 volunteers selected by county judges through an extensive interview and application process.  See a copy of Rich’s presentation here.