ACR 114, as introduced, Gallagher. Grand Jury Awareness Month.
This measure would proclaim the month of February 2016 as Grand Jury Awareness Month in California, recognize those who volunteer in a grand jury, and encourage all Californians to learn about its role in the judicial system.
Fiscal committee: no.
P1 1WHEREAS, California’s grand jury system is a unique
2component of our state’s government. Present in each of our 58
3counties, these juries consist of citizens selected by the superior
4courts; and
5WHEREAS, Our grand juries exist through the dedication of
6the people, and they help to ensure that the accused are treated
7fairly and that our local governments are maintaining the highest
8legal standards; and
9WHEREAS, Grand juries are used at the beginning of the legal
10investigation process. These juries have three important functions:
11(1) to decide whether there is probable cause that a criminal act
12occurred and if there is enough evidence to indict a person; (2)
P2 1within its civil jurisdiction, to oversee local governments; and (3)
2to reserve the power to accuse public officers of misconduct; and
3WHEREAS, As gatekeepers of our justice system, grand juries
4ensure that citizens have a role in the justice process and that the
5justice process operates effectively; and
6WHEREAS, The hard work done by our grand juries has a great
7impact throughout our communities, and they have helped to make
8California a better place; and
9WHEREAS, These accomplishments can only be made through
10the outstanding dedication of those who volunteer as grand jurors;
11now, therefore, be it
12Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate
13thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby proclaims the
14month of February 2016 as Grand Jury Awareness Month in
15California; and be if further
16Resolved, That the Legislature recognizes those who volunteer
17in a grand jury, encourages all Californians to learn about the great
18role of the grand jury in the judicial system, and applauds those
19who have made the grand jury so successful; and be it further
20Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies
21of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
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