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| Overview |
| Timeline/Time Requirements |
| How to Apply |
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| Overview |
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Pursuant to the Penal Code, Title 4, Sections 888 et seq, the Superior Court is charged with nominating qualified citizens to serve as members of the Grand Jury. The Kern County Superior Court follows those procedures. The objective is to obtain a pool representative of the ethnic and cultural diversity of our county at large. The recruitment and selection of qualified jurors is the most critical factor in determining how effective any grand jury will become.
Citizens interested in grand jury service must submit an Application for Nomination. A background check is then made to determine if the applicant is qualified. Each qualified applicant is interviewed and the Superior Court Judges make their nominations. Thereafter, two random drawings are held to determine which candidates will serve on the Grand Jury. |
The basic requirements for a grand juror are as follows:
- a U.S. citizen
- at least 18 years of age
- have a working knowledge of the English language
- have resided in Kern County for at least one year
- have never been convicted of malfeasance in office or of a felony.
- have not served as a Grand Juror in any other county in California within the past year
- are not currently serving as an elected public official
The Grand Jury has the power and duty to examine the function and performance of public offices and officers. They report their findings and can make recommendations for changes. This area is referred to as their civil or "watch dog" function. They also have the power and duty to inquire into possible public offenses, misconduct in office by public officers and to determine whether to return indictments charging the commission of felonies. This area of responsibility is referred to as their criminal function. |
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Each member of the grand jury will learn a great deal about county government and its relationship to the citizens. Members of past grand juries have often found the experience to be of great personal satisfaction. |
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| Timeline/Time Requirements |
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| Our Grand Jury is seated for one year, from July 1st to the end of June. The final random drawing for the empanelment of the new jury is held the last week of June each year in Superior Court, Metropolitan Division, Department One. The Presiding Judge acts as the advisor to the grand jury.
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| The Grand Jury meets as a group one day each week and, depending upon the various committees a grand juror is appointed to serve, other days will require their participation and attendance. The time requirement is approximately 20-30 hours per week for one year. Offices are provided for conducting grand jury business on the 6th floor of the Superior Court Building, 1415 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield.
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| Two days of training are provided and all 19 jurors and all alternates are required to attend. Pursuant to P.C. Section 914, the training includes procedures for conducting Grand Jury business such as how to conduct interviews and investigations, report writing, and the scope of the Grand Jury's responsibility and statutory authority. The training is under the direction of the Presiding Judge and involves the District Attorney, the County Counsel, the Court Liaison to the Grand Jury, members of the current Grand Jury, and members of the Grand Jury Association.
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