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Grand Jury
DUTIES
The grand jury is a body of 19 citizens
who
are charged and sworn to investigate
county
matters of civil concern as well as
inquire
into public offenses committed or triable
within the county. Grand jury duties,
powers,
responsibilities, qualifications and
selection
processes are outlined in the California
Penal Code section 888 et seq.
The grand jury reviews and evaluates
procedures,
methods and systems utilized by government
to determine whether they can be made
more
efficient and effective. It may examine
any
aspect of county government and city
government,
including special legislative districts
and
joint powers agencies, to ensure that
the
best interests of San Joaquin County
residents
are being served. The grand jury may
inquire
into written complaints brought to
it by
the public.
The grand jury functions lawfully only
as
a body; no individual grand juror acting
alone has any power or authority. Meetings
of the jury are not open to the public,
and
discussions and voting are required
by law
to be kept private and confidential.
The Penal Code requires the grand jury
to:
- Inquire into the condition and management
of the public prisons within the
county;
- Investigate and report on the operations,
accounts and records of county officers,
departments or functions;
- Inquire into the willful or corrupt
misconduct
in office of public officers; and
- Submit a final report of its findings
and
recommendations no later than the end
of
its term to the Presiding Judge of
the Superior
Court. Agencies to which these recommendations
are directed are required to comment.
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