Information provided by the Superior Court of San Benito County. Lea este artículo en español aquí.
The Superior Court of San Benito County, is seeking community-oriented individuals to serve on the 2026-2027 Civil Grand Jury. Applications for serving on the civil grand jury are available now on the court’s Website and county residents are encouraged to apply for this important role.
The civil grand jury is an official judicial body with independent authority to investigate local government including city and county departments, special districts, and other tax-supported agencies. The jury is both a deliberative body and a fact-finding body designed to serve as a “citizen watchdog” with the independence to select the topics it intends to investigate. It also functions to weigh allegations of misconduct again public officials and determine whether to present formal findings on the matter.
Appointment to the civil grand jury provides citizens with a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the local community and learn how local government departments and agencies operate. Additionally, the civil grand jury is tasked with evaluating the conditions of the local jail and juvenile detention facilities.
“The civil grand jury is a wonderful way to serve your local community. People who serve on the grand jury truly enjoy the experience and often volunteer to serve a second term. I would encourage anyone interested in becoming a grand juror to take the opportunity to apply,” according to Tim Newman, Court Executive Officer for the Superior Court of San Benito County.
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be 18 years of age or older,
- Be a United States citizen,
- Possess sufficient knowledge of the English language
- Possesses their natural faculties, ordinary intelligence, is of sound judgment, and of fair character, and
- Be a resident of San Benito County.
Individuals selected for the grand civil jury service must make a time commitment of an average of 15 – 20 hours per week for 12 months. The term of the 2026-2027 Civil Grand Jury will commence on July 1, 2026, and end on June 30, 2027.
Eligible county residents are encouraged to visit the Court’s Website at www.sanbenito.courts.ca.gov/civil-grand-jury to apply electronically. Applications are also available at the courthouse located at 450 Fourth Street in Hollister. For inquiries or additional information, please email the court at admin@sanbenitocourt.org or call 831-636-4057.
Applications should be submitted by May 1, 2026. Take advantage of this chance to actively engage in shaping your community by playing a pivotal role in overseeing local governance.