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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing the Month of February 2024 as Civil Grand Jury Awareness Month in Solano County (Supervisor Williams)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The County Administrator’s Office recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution recognizing the month of February 2024 as Civil Grand Jury Awareness Month in Solano County.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION
The Civil Grand Jury system evolved from an earlier Anglo-Saxon institution in England, which acted as a watchdog on local government, identified wrongdoers, and most importantly acted as a counterweight to the authority of the crown and its agents to protect the rights of individuals. The first Civil Grand Jury in America was impaneled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1635 and by 1683, its usage had spread to all the colonies.
In California, the Civil Grand Jury forms part of the judicial system as authorized by the California State Constitution and consists of 58 separate grand juries-one in each county-that are convened on an annual basis by the Superior Court. The Civil Grand Jury roles and responsibilities are set forth in the California Penal Code. They are charged to inquire into, and investigate if necessary, the operation of local government agencies and officials to ensure that the activities are valid, and services are efficiently and legally provided. The Solano County Civil Grand Jury is comprised of nineteen (19) volunteer citizens who are appointed for a one-year term (limited to two consecutive terms) and publish their reports annually. In addition, if needed, a separate Criminal Grand Jury may be convened by the District Attorney of each county to evaluate the validity of the charges being brought by the prosecutor.
Civil Grand Jury Awareness Month is a statewide campaign spearheaded by the California Civil Grand Jury Association. The Association target the months of February through April to bring attention to Grand Juries’ important work throughout the state and to solicit for jurors for the coming year.
More information regarding the Civil Grand Jury, including their civil responsibilities, demographics and past Civil Grand Jury reports, visit the Solano County Superior Court website at <https://solano.courts.ca.gov/divisions/grand-jury>.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the County Administrator’s FY2023/24 Working Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2023/24 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt this resolution but that is not recommended as this is an opportunity to recognize residents who volunteer for the Solano County Civil Grand Jury.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Solano County Civil Grand Jury, in coordination with the Superior Court of California, provided background and history on Civil Grand Jury’s in the United States, in California and in Solano County.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION