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