The Board of Supervisors declared February “Grand Jury Awareness Month” Tuesday.
The Nevada County Civil Grand Jury is an independent body that investigates local government agencies, including county agencies, special districts, schools and other entities receiving public funds. The issues investigated are decided by citizen-initiated complaints and jurors’ choice. The jury is also required to inspect public prisons annually and may also review financial records, audit documents and review public records.
“It’s a huge portion of our check and balance for our democratic process,” Supervisor Hardy Bullock told members of the Grand Jury at the Board meeting. “You are the independent body that represents the concerns of our community, and I commend you for your service.”
Members of the Grand Jury dedicate a minimum of 20–30 hours a month, all while conducting interviews, reviewing records, and working with county counsel and the County Executive Office. The current group has 17 members.
Grand juries have existed in California since the state’s original Constitution in 1849–1850. The state constitution requires that a grand jury be drawn and summoned at least once a year in every county.
Deliberations are held in secrecy, and jurors take a lifelong oath of confidentiality.
The Nevada County Civil Grand Jury website includes more information and a link to apply to join the group.