What is the Shasta County Grand Jury?
Every county in California has a grand jury, which is the only independent oversight body with the power to investigate and report on local governments.
The Shasta County Grand Jury is composed of 19 citizens who reside in Shasta County. They serve a one-year term. Under the auspices of the Superior Court, the grand jury investigates and evaluates the performance of county, city, special district, and school district governments and issues reports of its findings and recommendations. These reports are aimed at increasing the accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness of local governments. The grand jury spends most of its time on this civil function.
A grand jury investigation might reveal evidence of unethical or criminal conduct by a person holding public office. Should this occur, the Government Code allows the grand jury to initiate an accusation proceeding to remove that official from public office.
At the request of the District Attorney, the grand jury may be called on to serve as a criminal grand jury to consider indictments in felony cases. In Shasta County, both accusation and indictment proceedings are rare.
Who Can Serve?
Jurors must be residents of Shasta County for at least one year as of the first day of the grand jury’s term, be 18 years or older, and be citizens of the United States. They must have sound character, reasonable judgment, and be able to communicate in English. Jurors cannot have been convicted of malfeasance in office or any felony or other high crime. They cannot be serving as a trial juror or be an elected public official.
How are Grand Jurors Chosen?
Shortly after the New Year until mid-April each year, the Shasta County Superior Court accepts applications from qualified citizens who are interested in serving as grand jurors. The judges of the Superior Court review the applications to screen for eligibility. Following interviews of the eligible applicants, the court selects up to 30 potential jurors.
During an impaneling ceremony in court, a random drawing is held to seat a total of 19 jurors; the potential jurors who have not been seated are named as alternates.
How Does it Work?
Shasta County grand jurors take their oath of office and begin their term in mid to late June. The Presiding Judge instructs the jurors about their responsibilities as grand jurors; trainers from the Civil Grand Jurors’ Association of California (CGJA) explain the duties and responsibilities of government agencies and teach the jurors techniques for conducting investigations and writing grand jury reports; and the Shasta Chapter of CGJA arranges a local orientation.
The offices of the county counsel and district attorney provide legal advice to the grand jury. The judge, CGJA trainers, and Shasta Chapter members also provide ongoing support and assistance throughout the term.
A foreperson, appointed by the court, presides at meetings. Under the direction of the full grand jury, committees investigate various aspect of local government agencies. Investigations include research, interviews, attendance at the public meetings of agency governing boards, and sometimes inspections of government facilities.
What Does the Grand Jury Investigate?
Each grand jury chooses which local government agencies or functions to investigate during its term. Topics can be suggested by the jurors themselves, can come to the jury’s attention through the media, or can be submitted to the jury by local residents through a formal request for investigation.
Grand Jury Reports
If an investigation leads to significant findings, the grand jury may issue a report. If the findings identify operational problems, the report will also include recommendations to solve those problems. The board or official to whom a report is directed is required by law to submit a formal response to each finding and recommendation. All reports and responses are posted and available to the public on this Shasta County Grand Jury website. Click here for the Reports and Reponses Section.
Why Should You Volunteer?
As a grand juror, you will help make local government more responsive and efficient. You will learn more about how city, county, and district governments operate. In addition, you will have the opportunity to interact with local officials.
An exciting and challenging year of investigations and thoughtful deliberations will give you a worthwhile education and a unique experience.
Who Would Make a Good Grand Juror?
You would, if you:
- Are interested in how local government works and how it can operate more effectively.
- Are willing to cooperate with other jurors as a team to plan and conduct thorough and unbiased investigations.
- Are willing to apply the skills of active listening, thoughtful questioning, online research, and writing and editing reports.
- Can serve from 15-25 hours each week for one year, starting in mid-June.
- Can exercise strict confidentiality during and after your term as a grand juror.