Grand Jury Selection Process
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Each fiscal year, the Superior Court of Mendocino County seats a civil grand jury. Selection to serve on the County�s civil Grand Jury is an honor, which affords members of the community an opportunity to do a great service. The Grand Jury seats 19 men and women of various backgrounds chosen from throughout Mendocino County. The Presiding Superior Court Judge appoints one of them as Foreperson.
A list of candidates is developed partly by individual names nominated by Superior Court Judges but also from those who volunteer for Grand Jury service. All names are pooled. All prospective jurors are screened to ensure that they meet statutory qualifications specified in Penal Code Section 893 (see �Qualifications of Grand Jurors�). An information meeting is held to explain the nature of the work and time required to fulfill the obligations of serving.
Grand Jurors should be free to commit the necessary time to do the work. It is not uncommon to attend 7�10 daytime meetings per month and to spend 15�20 hours per work.
Jurors must be open-minded, impartial, objective, diligent, patient, and respectful of the views of others. It helps to have the ability to digest large amounts of information and prepare accurate, succinct reports. Additionally, a clear understanding of the functions, authority, and responsibilities of county and city government and of the separation of powers is fundamental.
Qualifications of Grand Jurors
To qualify as grand jurors, persons must be:
- citizens of the United States, at least 18 years of age, and residents of the State of California and of Mendocino County for at least one year immediately prior to selection.
- in possession of their natural faculties, of ordinary intelligence, of sound judgment, and fair of character.
- possessed of sufficient knowledge of the English language.
A person is not eligible to act as a Grand Juror if that person:
- is serving as a trial juror.
- has been discharged as a Grand Juror in any court in California within one year.
- has been convicted of malfeasance in office or any felony or other high crime.
- is serving as an elected public officer.
Click here to download Application Form
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