Bring Justice to the County by Serving on the Grand Jury

Ever wanted to serve on our county's Civil Grand Jury?

The San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury is judicial body composed of 19 citizens. It is impaneled to act as an arm of the court, as authorized by the State Constitution, to be "a voice of the people and conscience of the community." It investigates local government.

The Honorable Lisa A. Novak of the San Mateo County Superior Court has announced that the application period for service on the 2013-2014 San Mateo County Grand Jury has been extended to April 19.

Judge Novak made the announcement as the appointed Grand Jury Advisor for the next grand jury term, which commences July 1, 2013 and ends June 30, 2014.

Anyone who has been a resident of San Mateo County for more than one year who is a citizen of the United States, 18 years of age or older, is "of ordinary intelligence, sound judgment and good character," and has "sufficient" knowledge of the English language, is eligible for selection by Judge Novak, the County said in a statement last week.

Elected public officials are not eligible.

The Court encourages all interested individuals to apply, the statement read. The Court strives to obtain a cross section of the county population. After the completion of an interview process by Judge Novak, jurors will be selected through a random draw.

Application forms can be obtained by writing Grand Jury Clerk, Court Executive Office, 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063, by calling 650-599-1210, or online here.

Would you ever consider serving on the county's Grand Jury? Tell us in the comments below.

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