Information provided by the Superior Court of California, County of San Benito. Lea este articulo en español aqui.
Presiding Judge J. Omar Rodriguez of the Superior Court of California, County of San Benito, is seeking community-oriented individuals to submit applications for participation in the 2024-2025 Civil Grand Jury, an essential element of the judicial system committed to ensuring transparency and holding local governance accountable.
The Civil Grand Jury is an official judicial body with independent authority that is not answerable to administrators or legislators. Its principal purpose is to protect the public interest.
Appointment to the Civil Grand Jury provides citizens a means to participate in the affairs of the local governments. The Civil Grand Jury is an investigatory “watchdog” body created to ensure that the best interests of all citizens of the county are being served by local government.
Additionally, the Civil Grand Jury is tasked with evaluating the conditions of jails and juvenile detention facilities.
Tim Newman, San Benito Court’s current Chief Executive Officer, emphasizes the unique opportunity for citizens to contribute to their community by serving on the Civil Grand Jury. Mr. Newman reports, “The Civil Grand Jury is a wonderful way to serve your local community. The people who serve on the jury truly enjoy the experience and often volunteer to serve a second term. I would encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a grand juror to take the opportunity to apply.”
To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years of age or older, United States citizens, and residents of San Benito County. Persons selected for Civil Grand Jury service must make a time commitment of an average of 20 -25 hours per week for a period of one fiscal year. The term of the 2024-2025 Civil Grand Jury will commence on July 1, 2024, and end on June 30, 2025.
Prospective applicants can access the 2024-25 application and the Court’s Civil Grand Jury information near the front clerks or online at: https://www.sanbenito.courts.ca.gov/civil-grand- jury. For inquiries or additional information, please contact Margaret Jones-Ryan, Chief of Court Resources, for the Civil Grand Jury, at: cgj@sanbenitocourt.org.Applications should be submitted by April 29, 2024.Take advantage of this chance to actively engage in shaping your community by playing a pivotal role in overseeing local governance.