SUMMARY OF THE SMCGJA SURVEY Methods/Practices/Procedures of Presiding Grand Jury Judges
The San Mateo County Association of Grand Jurors (SMCGJA) mailed to all current California Counties' Grand Jury Judges and forepersons eliciting responses to gain statistical information on methods/practices/procedures used by many of them within the scope of their grand jury operations. The RESULTS OF SURVEY (pdf) is a numerical/percentage compilation of the responses to the practices enumerated and an analysis of these findings.
The methodology used to conduct the survey was to reach all 58 California Counties' Grand Jury Judges and forepersons by asking for responses to practices that may be relevant to their grand jury administrative duties. SMCGJA would like to thank all judges and forepersons who took time from their busy schedule to assist in the completion of this project.
It is important to note that most of the practices were suggested by several superior court judges and former grand jurors. The surveys were mailed February 14, 2006, and returned by March 31, 2006. Fifty (50%) of the judges and sixty-three (63%) of the forepersons responded to the survey.
BRIEF ANALYSIS
The most essential practices selected by both judges and forepersons were the following:
- Presiding judges ensure the selection of a competent foreperson;
- Presiding judges review all final reports;
- Presiding judges become knowledgeable of functions and the mission of the grand jury;
- Presiding judges seek the service of independent counsel when the county counsel is faced with a compromise situation. e.g., Grand jurors are investigating accusations made against a county superintendent of schools.
The least essential practices selected by both judges and forepersons were the following:
- Presiding judges schedule periodic rap sessions with grand jurors during general grand jurors general meetings
- Presiding judges provide a personal email address to all grand jurors;
- Presiding judges arrange press conferences when final reports are completed;
- Presiding judges provide each grand juror with a list of expectations
PLEASE NOTE:
Three county participants listed practices that were not included in the survey. All three practices were considered "most essential".
- Presiding judges should be available and accommodating to the needs of the foreperson whenever necessary
- Presiding judges should have a close partnership with grand jurors and a year round recruiting grand juror's program
- Presiding judges should be totally honest about the amount of time it takes to be on a grand jury
If you have any questions about this site, please contact grandjurors@co.sanmateo.ca.us