BILL NUMBER: ACR 114	AMENDED
	BILL TEXT

	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  FEBRUARY 4, 2016

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Gallagher
   (Coauthors: Assembly Members Lackey and Mathis)

                        JANUARY 11, 2016

   Relative to Grand Jury Awareness Month.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   ACR 114, as amended, Gallagher. Grand Jury Awareness Month.
   This measure would proclaim the month of  February
  March  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.



   WHEREAS, California's grand jury system is a unique component of
our state's government. Present in each of our 58 counties, these
juries consist of citizens selected by the superior courts; and
   WHEREAS, Our grand juries exist through the dedication of the
people, and they help to ensure that the accused are treated fairly
and that our local governments are maintaining the highest legal
standards; and
   WHEREAS, Grand juries are used at the beginning of the legal
investigation process. These juries have three important functions:
(1) to decide whether there is probable cause that a criminal act
occurred and if there is enough evidence to indict a person; (2)
within  its   their  civil jurisdiction, to
oversee local governments; and (3) to reserve the power to accuse
public officers of misconduct; and
   WHEREAS, As gatekeepers of our justice system, grand juries ensure
that citizens have a role in the justice process and that the
justice process operates effectively; and
   WHEREAS, The hard work done by our grand juries has a great impact
throughout our communities, and they have helped to make California
a better place; and
   WHEREAS, These accomplishments can only be made through the
outstanding dedication of those who volunteer as grand jurors; now,
therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate
thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby proclaims the month
of  February   March  2016 as Grand Jury
Awareness Month in California; and be  if   it
 further
   Resolved, That the Legislature recognizes those who volunteer in a
grand jury, encourages all Californians to learn about the great
role of the grand jury in the judicial system, and applauds those who
have made the grand jury so successful; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of
this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.