What Is the Marin County Civil Grand Jury?

The Civil Grand Jury is Marin County’s only independent watchdog of government services.  Composed of 19 citizen volunteers, it investigates and monitors the performance of county, city, and local governing entities and recommends ways to increase their efficiency and effectiveness.  It also has the power to enter accusations against government wrongdoers.

Empowered by the judicial system, the Civil Grand Jury is independent of administrators, politicians, and legislators.

To see the reports issued by the Marin County Civil Grand Jury since the year 2000, visit the jury’s Web site at www.co.marin.ca.us/grandjury.

The Civil Grand Jury’s Historical Roots

The Grand Jury system has been used in England since the twelfth century.  Grand juries were brought to America in 1635, when the Massachusetts Bay Colony empanelled the first one in the new land.

The Grand Jury system has been embedded in the California Constitution since the beginning of statehood in 1850. The Marin County Civil Grand Jury operates under this constitutional mandate, which calls for a grand jury in every county.

Who Can Serve?

Any U.S. citizen 18 years or older who has been a resident of Marin County for at least the past year, with good character and literate in English, is eligible.

2008-09 Marin County Civil Grand Jury

Why Should You Volunteer?

You have an opportunity to help make local government more responsive and efficient.

You will learn about how city and county government and special districts operate.

You will gain a worthwhile education and a unique experience through an exciting and challenging year of investigations and thoughtful deliberation.

Probably no other volunteer service provides an opportunity to make a difference on such a large scale

You will spend an enriching year working closely with 18 other Marin county citizens from all walks of life, making enduring friendships.

You will be able to continue your involvement in the grand jury process and your personal relationships through membership in the Marin Chapter of the California Grand Jurors’ Association.

How Does It Work?

Applications are accepted from all qualified citizens.  Superior Court judges review the candidates and select 30 potential jurors.  A drawing is held to pick 19 names; those remaining are alternates.

The term is 1 year and begins on July 1.  Marin County Civil Grand Jurors are sworn in, then are provided orientation and training on grand jury responsibilities and county/city governments, and on investigating and report-writing techniques.  The presiding judge of the Superior Court appoints a foreperson to preside at meetings. The Grand Jury organizes itself and investigates various departments and functions of local governments as it chooses.

Subjects investigated can be initiated by the Grand Jury or suggested by letters from citizens, complaints of alleged mistreatment by officials, suspicion of misconduct, or government inefficiencies.  Such complaints – indeed all transactions of the jury – are kept confidential.  If the situation warrants, an investigation is opened.  A report usually follows with recommendations that must be addressed by the recipients.  The advice of the County Counsel, the District Attorney, and the Presiding Judge is available.

Reports are issued throughout the year.  Responses to reports are required within 60 to 90 days by the investigated agencies and elected officials.

Would YOU make a good Grand Juror?

Are you a good listener?

Can you cooperate with 18 others in a common goal?

Can you keep a  secret? All your work is confidential.

Do you have the stamina to commit yourself to a year of productive work?

Can you ask thoughtful questions, review documents and write lucid reports?

Are you interested in trying to increase the efficiency of local government, save taxpayer dollars and improve service?

Can you make a substantial contribution of time (at least 15-20 hours a week) in public service?

Are you enthusiastic about the possibility of facilitating improvements and solutions?