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 empaneled 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 Mendocino County Civil Grand Jury operates under this constitutional mandate, which calls for a grand jury in every county.
Want to Join Us?
You must be:
- 18 or older, a United States citizen, and resident of Mendocino County for at least one year
- Interested in investigating the performance of local government agencies
- Enthusiastic about the opportunity to recommend solutions to improve governance and services
- A good listener who can ask thoughtful questions
- Ready to commit a minimum of 6 hours per week for 1 year
- Willing to ensure your investigations remain confidential
- Prepared to cooperate with 18 others to achieve a common goal
- Access to a computer and a working knowledge of email, online research, and word processing
You must not be
- Serving as a trial juror in any court of this state
- A grand juror in any court of this state within one year
- Convicted of malfeasance in office or any felony or other high crime
- Serving as an elected public officer.
What We Do
The Civil Grand Jury is Mendocino County’s only independent watchdog of government agencies and services. Composed of 19 citizen volunteers, it investigates and monitors the performance of County, city, and local governing entities, including special districts. It has the responsibility to make recommendations to improve local government. The Civil Grand Jury speaks as one voice for the residents of Mendocino County. Empowered by the judicial system, the Civil Grand Jury is independent of administrators, politicians, and legislators. Grand Jury service is a volunteer position with modest monthly compensation for meetings and roundtrip mileage. What it doesn’t offer in pay, it offers in a wealth of experience.
How this Works
Applications are accepted from all qualified citizens, reviewed by the presiding Superior Court judge, and a drawing is held to pick 19 jurors. Those not selected are placed in a pool of alternates. Jurors serve for a 1-year term beginning July 1st. Serving jurors are provided with comprehensive training on grand jury responsibilities, investigation techniques and report writing. Investigations: The Grand Jury investigates all matters ranging from inefficiencies in local government to misconduct in office by public officials. Anyone may submit a complaint by either completing a Grand Jury complaint form or by writing a letter to the Grand Jury. Complaints are treated as confidential. Reports: A public report usually follows an investigation with recommendations that are publicly addressed by the recipients. To see reports issued by the Mendocino County Civil Grand Jury visit the jury’s website.
Make a Difference
- Monitor the performance of county, city, special districts, and other governing entities.
- Tour and observe juvenile hall, Mendocino County jail and the conservation camps.
- Verify that tax dollars are spent wisely.
- Recommend ways to enhance local government operations and ser- vices.
- Improve governance in Mendocino County.