OC Grand Jury applications are now being accepted

OC Grand Jury applications are now being accepted

By OC Supervisor Todd Spitzer

(Portions courtesy of the Orange County Superior Court)

The Orange County Superior Court is now accepting applications for the 2015-2016 Orange County Grand Jury. A new 19-member Grand Jury will be empaneled for a one-year term that begins July 1.

As mandated by the California Constitution, the Grand Jury has three basic functions: weighing criminal charges and determining whether indictments should be returned; weighing any allegations of misconduct against public officials to determine whether to present formal accusations requesting their removal from office; and acting as the public’s “watchdog” by investigating and reporting on the affairs of local government. Most of the Grand Jury panel’s time is spent performing civil oversight of local government by reviewing and evaluating county and city agencies, schools, and special districts within the county.

Grand jurors 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.

Superior Court judges interview qualified applicants and Orange County Sheriff’s Department officers conduct background investigations on these candidates. Selection of the 19-member Grand Jury is achieved by a random drawing of the top 25 to 30 candidates nominated for service, to equally represent each of the five Orange County Supervisorial Districts, as required by law.

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

To obtain an application form or receive more information click here, call the Grand Jury Hotline at (657) 622-6747, or visit 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 23, 2015.