The San Joaquin County Superior Court is seeking applicants to serve on the 2016-2017 San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury. The deadline for application submission is March 30, 2016.
Qualified citizens who are interested in obtaining more information about the Civil Grand Jury are invited to attend information sessions to be held at Humphrey’s College, 6650 Inglewood Ave., Stockton - Laurence Drivon Courtroom on the following dates: Monday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m.
Applications can be obtained by calling (209) 992-5290 or stopping by the following Superior Court Clerk’s Offices between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday:
Stockton Courthouse, 222 E. Weber Ave., Room 303
Manteca Courthouse, 315 E. Center St., Manteca
Lodi Courthouse, 315 W. Elm St., Lodi
Applications can also be found on the court’s website at: http://www.sjcourts.org/general-info/civil-grand-jury
Members of the Civil Grand Jury serve for a one year period beginning July 1, 2016. The Grand Jury is comprised of 19 citizens whose names are randomly selected from applicants nominated by the Judges of the Superior Court. The Civil Grand Jury inquires into and investigates the functions and operations of governmental bodies, agencies and public officials within San Joaquin County, as well as investigates tips received from the public. Past reports have focused on juvenile group homes, community college and school districts, jail operations, special districts and housing authorities.
Former grand jury members have found their participation on the Grand Jury a positive and worthwhile experience.
“The year I spent on the 2012-2013 San Joaquin Civil Grand Jury was one of the most richest and rewarding experiences I have had in my life. As foreperson, I had the fortune of amazingly talented and dedicated members who worked as a team for great results. We learned, explored, investigated and of course wrote recommendations of significance for the improvement of government in our County,” said Gary Spaugh, Former Grand Jury Foreperson and semi-retired healthcare administrator.
“The privilege of serving on the 2013-2014 Grand Jury gave each juror the experience of working intensely with many new friends. We learned a whole lot about this interesting County, and at the same time we were able to make life a little better for many of its people,” added Ward Downs, retired educator and foreman of the current Grand Jury.
A Grand Juror must be at least 18 years of age, a United States citizen who has resided in San Joaquin County for at least one year, possess sufficient knowledge of the English language, and is not now serving as a trial juror or elected public official. Qualified applicants may be interviewed by a Superior Court Judge. The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office will conduct background investigations, which includes a record check from law enforcement agencies.
