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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing the Month of February 2020 as Civil Grand Jury Awareness Month in Solano County (Supervisor Thomson)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Supervisor Thomson recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution recognizing the Month of February 2020 as Civil Grand Jury Awareness Month in Solano County.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION
The 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 America Grand Jury was impaneled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1635 and by 1683, its usage had spread to all the colonies.
In California, the 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 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 serve a one-year term (limited to two consecutive terms) and publish their reports annually.
Grand Jury Awareness Month is a statewide campaign spearheaded by the California Grand Jury Association. They target the month of February to bring attention to their important work throughout the state and to solicit for jurors for the coming year.
In addition, if needed, a separate Grand Jury may be convened by the District Attorney of each county to evalu...
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