BILL ANALYSIS Ó ACR 114 Page 1 Date of Hearing: January 25, 2016 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES Gordon, Chair ACR 114 (Gallagher) - As Introduced January 11, 2016 SUBJECT: Grand Jury Awareness Month. SUMMARY: Proclaims the month of February 2016 as Grand Jury Awareness Month in California and recognizes those who volunteer in a grand jury, and encourages all Californians to learn about its role in the judicial system. Specifically, this resolution makes the following legislative findings: 1)California's grand jury system is a unique component of our state's government and is present in each of our 58 counties. These juries consist of citizens selected by the superior courts. 2)Grand juries are used at the beginning of the legal investigation process and 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 civil jurisdiction, to oversee local governments, and (3) to reserve the power to accuse public officers of misconduct. 3)Grand juries serve as gatekeepers of our justice system and ensure that citizens have a role in the justice process and ACR 114 Page 2 that the justice process operates effectively. 4)Our grand juries exist through 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 status. FISCAL EFFECT: None REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION: Support California Grand Jurors' Association Sutter Grand Jurors' Association Opposition None on file Analysis Prepared by:Nicole Willis / RLS. / (916) 319-2800