Civil Grand Jury Application

The annual recruitment is open for the 2024-2025 fiscal year Civil Grand Jury. Dedicated community volunteers interested in becoming civil grand jurors for the next fiscal year (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025) are needed. Each year, the Civil Grand Jury examines local governmental agencies and investigates citizen concerns. The annual report of the Civil Grand Jury provides a foundation for discussion and action to improve local government services within San Benito County.

To volunteer for this important civic service, please:

1. Fill out this application. Application forms may also be picked up at any Superior Court Clerk's Office in Hollister, or at the San Benito County Counsel's Office. Applications can be emailed or mailed upon request.
2. Alternatively, to the online application, physical forms may be turned in at the Superior Court Clerk's Office in Hollister. 
3. You may be invited to an interview and informational session.

The Civil Grand Jury forms committees and sets its own schedule for interviews, investigations and meetings. Persons selected for service should plan to commit to a minimum of 5 hours per week for a period of one year (July 1 - June 30). However, based on each individual's availability, it is not uncommon for some members to work in excess of this estimated time.

Prospective Grand Jurors must possess the following qualifications (Penal Code 893):

• Be a citizen of the United States and 18 years or older;
• Be a resident of the State and of the County for one year immediately before being selected;
• Be in possession of their natural faculties of ordinary intelligence, of sound judgment, and of fair character;
• Possess sufficient knowledge of the English language.

Desirable Grand Juror qualifications include:

• Be in reasonably good health;
• Be open-minded to the views of others;
• Have an interest in community affairs;
• Have a general knowledge of the function, authority and responsibility of city and county government;
• Proficient computer skills for online research;
• Possess investigative skills;
• Have the ability to write and edit reports.

Would you make a good Civil Grand Juror?

• Are you interested in trying to increase the efficiency of local government, save taxpayer dollars, and improve services?
• Can you ask thoughtful questions, review documents, and help write reports?
• Can you commit to a full year of work?
• Does your schedule permit you to attend a minimum of 4-6 daytime meetings each month?
• Can you contribute a minimum of 5 hours per week to the Civil Grand Jury?
• Can you maintain confidentiality?
• If employed, can you obtain consent from your employer to serve on the Civil Grand Jury?

Per Penal Code PC 893(b), a person is not legally qualified to serve if any of the following apply:

• The person is serving as a trial juror in any court of this State;
• The person has been discharged as a Grand Juror in any Court of this State within 1 year;
• The person has been convicted of malfeasance in office or any felony or other high crime;
• The person is serving as an elected public official.

To volunteer for this important civic service, interested and qualified citizens available to commit to a minimum of 5 hours per week for one year (July 1 – June 30).

A jury panel of qualified members of diverse age groups, socio-economic, ethnic, and educational backgrounds, representative of the diversity within San Benito County is sought.

You can request an application form by contacting the Court by email at cgj@sanbenitocourt.org or by calling (831) 636-4057, ext. 240.  Application forms may also be picked up at the Superior Court Clerk's Office in Hollister, Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or at the San Benito County Counsel's Office.

Following the application process, the court will select applicants to proceed to a random drawing each year. A total of 19 of these nominees are drawn and sworn to serve on the Civil Grand Jury; any remaining nominees will serve as alternates. Alternates may be called to serve at any time when a sworn juror becomes unable to complete their service during the course of the fiscal year (July 1 – June 30). All sworn and alternate jurors receive a 2-day training session prior to commencing their service.