Becoming A Civil Grand Juror
Becoming A Civil Grand Juror
Each year the Solano County Superior Court Judges identify qualified citizens who might serve on the Civil Grand Jury. Nominations for prospective jurors are made by the Judges themselves and other public elected officials.
Selection
Solano County residents are urged to volunteer for service on the Civil Grand Jury. Those recommended are interviewed by a Superior Court Judge, Court Executive Officer, and the Civil Grand Jury Foreperson. Based on the results of interviews, a pool of qualified jury candidates is created and these citizens are invited to appear in the Superior Court of the Presiding Judge. Names are then drawn randomly by the Clerk of the Court.
The new Civil Grand Jury will consist of second-term jurors, plus new members, to make a total of nineteen jurors. All nineteen are sworn and given a description of their duties and responsibilities by the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court. These citizens begin their one year term on July 1st.
Qualifications
Requirements
Prospective Civil Grand Jurors must possess the following qualifications (California Penal Code §893):
- Be a citizen of the United States, 18 years of age or older who has resided in the county for one year immediately before being sworn.
- Be in possession of natural faculties, of ordinary intelligence and sound judgment, and fair character.
- Possess sufficient knowledge of the English language.
- Have reliable transportation.
Desirable Qualifications
Desirable qualifications for a Grand Juror include:
- Have sufficient time and commitment.
- Be in good health.
- Be open-minded with concern for views of others.
- Have the ability to work with others.
- Have a genuine interest in community affairs.
- Have investigative skill and an ability to write reports.
Disqualifications
- The person is serving as a trial juror in any court of this state.
- The person has been discharged as a Civil Grand Juror in any court of this state within one year.
- The person has been convicted of malfeasance in office or any felony or other high crime.
- The person is serving as an elected public official.
Commitment & Compensation
Time Commitment
Persons selected for the Civil Grand Jury must make a commitment to a minimum of six (6) days per month for their one year term. During major investigations, Civil Grand Jury members may need to serve three (3) or more days per week.
Payment
Civil Grand Jurors receive a nominal payment for meetings, and are reimbursed for mileage and Civil Grand Jury related expenses.
Training
An orientation program about the role of the Civil Grand Jury and about local government will be provided by the Grand Jury Foreperson. Each year Civil Grand Jury members are invited to attend statewide training seminars provided by experts on civil grand juries.