BILL ANALYSIS Ó
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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
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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