History of the Grand Jury “I know no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform (them)." Thomas Jefferson. A grand jury derives its name from the fact that it has a greater number of jurors than a trial (petit) jury. The history of the grand jury traces back to the founding of the common law under the English system in the 11th and 12th centuries. The first grand jury in the United States was impaneled by the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1635 to consider such crimes as murder, robbery and wife beating. Early California grand juries investigated prisons, conducted audits of county books and looked into matters of community interest. The function of the grand jury expanded over time from the role of indictment to that of a citizens' body with governmental watchdog functions. Today in California, criminal and civil grand juries are separate. California's constitution mandates a civil grand jury be chosen each year in each county. The District Attorney may use the civil grand jury for criminal indictments or many convene a special criminal grand jury. Overview of the Grand Jury The Tulare County Grand Jury is a volunteer, fact-finding body that has the potential to make constructive changes and suggest meaningful solutions to a wide range of local government problems. A judicial body authorized by the constitution of the State of California, the Tulare County Grand Jury is composed of 19 members elected by ballot from a pool of volunteers and nominees of the court. An attempt is made to impanel a jury that represents a diversity of men and women from socioeconomic, ethnic, age, educational background and geographical areas of the county. The jury monitors the performance of local government and makes recommendations that may improve services and save taxpayers' dollars. How the Grand Jury Works Jurors are sworn in and begin their 12-month service commencing the first day of July. The Presiding Judge may reappoint jurors to a second term. The Judge appoints a foreperson to preside at the meetings. The jury then organizes itself into committees and examines selected aspects of county and city government, including special districts. Most of the functions involve investigation, analysis, reporting and recommendations. The grand jury has authority to subpoena evidence as needed. If the grand jury were to conclude there is an indictable offense, the District Attorney would determine how to proceed. As an independent body, the grand jury alone determines its agenda. The subjects to be investigated are generated by present or past grand jury panels or initiated by citizen concerns. All letters of complaint are kept confidential The primary function of the grand jury is to make recommendations to improve local government. County Counsel and the Presiding Judge are available for advice. Grand Jury Reports Processes Grand jury reports are the result of investigations and contain findings, recommendations and, if merited, commendations. Responses are required from those agencies and officials to whom the recommendations are addressed. Copies of the final Tulare County Grand Jury Report are available at all county libraries, the Grand Jury Room and are issued to print in all Tulare County newspapers.