Volunteer Opportunity: Serve On Santa Clara Co. Civil Grand Jury

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — Santa Clara County Superior Court officials announced Wednesday they are seeking volunteers to serve on the 2018-2019 Civil Grand Jury. The public watchdog panel is part of the judicial branch of government and is considered "an arm of the Superior Court," court officials said.

The jury will examine all aspects of county and city government, special districts and school districts. It is sanctioned to inspect and audit books, records, and financial expenditures in the interest of accountability of public funding.

The jury also has the opportunity to inspect jails and juvenile detention facilities.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, U.S. citizens and residents of Santa Clara County. Service on the grand jury requires an average of 25 hours a week. The one-year term for the 2018-2019 panel will begin on June 21.

"It is vital that grand jurors charged with this incredible responsibility reflect the tremendous diversity that makes up Santa Clara County," Presiding Judge Patricia Lucas said in a statement. "First and foremost, we're looking for civic mindedness, strong ethics and courage."

Those interested in applying to be on the jury can do so online at Scscourt.org and select the "Civil Grand Jury" tab.

Questions about informational events or about the grand jury itself may be directed to cgj@scscourt.org or by contacting Tamara Davis, deputy manager of the jury, at 408-882-2721.

By Bay City News Service

Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone