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1. What is the Grand Jury?

The Tuolumne County Grand Jury is an independent body of 19 people serving as an arm of the court. The Grand Jury serves as a full body committee, as well as in individual committees. The jury operates with a court-appointed foreperson who facilitates the activities of the jury and acts as its spokesperson. Grand jurors serve voluntarily for one year beginning July 1.

2. What are the requirements to be on the Grand Jury?

Grand Jury service is a serious commitment. A grand juror must maintain:

• Impartiality
• Open-mindedness and patience
• Willingness to work as a member of a team
• Respect for the opinions of others

Legal requirements are:

• 18 years of age or older, and a citizen of the United States
• A resident of the State of California and the County of Tuolumne
• A citizen of the United States for one year before being selected
• Able to communicate verbally and in writing

Desired knowledge and skills:

• Knowledge of the operation of local government
• Ability to analyze information, draft reports, and actively participate in investigations

A person will not be able to serve if he or she:

• Is currently serving as a trial juror in any court of this state
• Has been discharged as a grand juror in any court of this state within one year
• Has been convicted of malfeasance in office or other high crimes

3. What are the responsibilities of the Grand Jury?

Grand Jury responsibilities:

• The Grand Jury has statutory authority to investigate and report on the accounts, records, operations, and functions of district, city, and county governments and public officials
• Reviews citizen's complaints for possible investigation and reporting
• Tours the detention facilities in the county, including the Sierra Conservation Center
• In cooperation with the district attorney's office, issues criminal indictments
• Works approximately 15 to 20 hours per week
• Must produce a final report before the end of the term

4. How are grand jurors selected?

Grand Jury selection process:

• A grand jury candidate pool is developed from voter registration and Department of Motor Vehicle records, as well as interested individuals nominated by the Superior Court Judges
• 1000 grand jury questionnaires are mailed to randomly selected individuals in the grand jury candidate pool
• The jury coordinator collates returned grand jury questionnaires - questionnaires with an expressed desire to serve are passed along to the advising judge
• The advising judge reviews the questionnaires and comprises a list of applicants
• By a personal interview of those applicants, the Superior Court ascertains their qualifications to serve and forms a grand juror pool sufficient in number for the incoming Grand Jury
• A random drawing from the grand jury pool is held to select the nineteen members and alternates of the next Grand Jury

5. Are grand jurors paid for their services?

Grand jurors are paid $15 for each Grand Jury meeting, plus mileage. Grand jurors are not paid for individual committee meetings.

6. Who advises the Grand Jury?

The Grand Jury may rely on the following as advisors:

• Advisor Judge
• District Attorney
• County Counsel
• Attorney General

7. Where does the Grand Jury meet?

The Grand Jury meets in the Grand Jury meeting room in the county courthouse.