Grand Jury Recruitment

10/16/2013

The Orange County Superior Court is actively seeking residents from throughout Orange County who want to make a difference in their community to apply for service on the next Grand Jury, announced Assistant Presiding Judge Glenda Sanders, Chair of Grand Jury Recruitment/Selection Committee. The one-year term begins July 1, 2014.

As mandated by the California Constitution, the Grand Jury performs civil oversight of local government by reviewing and evaluating county and city agencies, schools, and special districts within the county. Panel members attend tours and briefings to increase their knowledge of the workings of county agencies to help them assess potential problems and then conduct investigations and write reports summarizing their concerns and recommendations. Reports from past Grand Jury investigations are posted online at ocgrandjury.org/reports.asp. The Grand Jury also considers evidence for possible indictment of individuals in felony cases.

Orange County Sheriff Department officers conduct background investigations of qualified applicants and Superior Court judges interview top candidates. The selection of the 19-member Grand Jury panel is achieved by a random drawing of the 30 candidates nominated for service, to equally represent each of the five Orange County Supervisorial Districts as required by law. Grand jurors will receive a minimum stipend of $25 per day (up to five days per week) and reimbursement for mileage.

Requirements to Serve
• At least 18 years old
• United States citizen
• Orange County resident for at least one year
• Sufficiently fluent in written and spoken English
• In possession of sound judgment, good character, and a sense of fairness

An application form and more information are available online at ocgrandjury.org, by calling (714) 834-6747, or at the Jury Commissioner’s Office, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, 92701. Individuals meeting the above requirements are encouraged to apply. Completed applications must be received by Friday, January 24, 2014.