General Grand Jury Information

What is the mission of the Grand Jury?

To represent the citizens of San Diego County by investigating, evaluating and reporting on the actions of local government and special districts.

What are the duties of the grand jurors?

The grand jury is a body of 19 citizens who are charged and sworn to investigate county matters of civil concern as well as inquire into public offenses committed or triable within the county. Grand jury duties, powers, responsibilities, qualifications and selection processes are outlined in Penal Code section 888 et seq.

The grand jury reviews and evaluates procedures, methods and systems utilized by government to determine whether they can be made more efficient and effective. It may examine any aspect of county government and city government, including special legislative districts and joint powers agencies, to ensure that the best interests of San Diego County residents are being served. The grand jury may inquire into written complaints brought to it by the public.

The grand jury functions lawfully only as a body; no individual grand juror acting alone has any power or authority. Meetings of the jury are not open to the public, and discussions and voting are required by law to be kept private and confidential.

The Penal Code requires the grand jury to:

  • Inquire into the condition and management of the detention facilities within the county;
  • Investigate and report on the operations, accounts and records of county officers, departments or functions;
  • Inquire into the willful or corrupt misconduct in office of public officers; and
  • Submit a final report of its findings and recommendations no later than the end of its term to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court. Agencies to which these recommendations are directed are required to comment.

What are the qualifications of a grand juror?

A grand juror must meet all of the following qualifications:

  • be a citizen of the United States.
  • be at least 18 years old.
  • be a resident of California and San Diego County for at least one year immediately prior to selection.
  • possess ordinary intelligence, sound judgment, and good character.
  • possess sufficient knowledge of the English language to communicate both orally and in writing.

A grand juror cannot...

  • be serving as a trial juror in any California court.
  • have been discharged as a grand juror in any California court within one year of the beginning date of service, July 1.
  • have been convicted of malfeasance in office, any felony or other high crime.
  • be serving as an elected public officer.

Other desirable qualities:

  • good health
  • open-mindedness
  • sensitivity to and concern for the views of others
  • skill in working with others in a group setting
  • interest in and knowledge of community affairs
  • skill and experience in fact finding
  • skill and experience in report writing
  • working knowledge of computers (e.g., files, word processing, email)
  • general knowledge of the responsibilities, functions and authority of county and city governments

What is the time commitment?

Nominees selected for grand jury service must commit to serving at least 32 hours, four days per week for the period July 1 through June 30. It is not unusual for jurors to work more than six hours in any given day and more than four days in any given week. Business hours are usually 9a-3p Monday through Thursday. The grand jury traditionally does not work during the two-week, year-end holiday season and on court holidays. Jurors are requested to take no more than 15 days of additional time off.

How is a person selected to serve on the Grand Jury?

A person must complete an application {link to application} by the specified deadline which is usually mid-January. Once a potential applicant passes the background check, their application is reviewed by a judge. A judge typically will interview the applicant by phone and then forward their name for nomination.

Potential Grand Jury members are selected from all the supervisorial districts. On a specified date in June, random drawings are conducted under the direct supervision of the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court in the presence of the nominees. The names of 19 Grand Jurors are chosen along with a number of alternates who are ranked. If a selected Grand Juror is unable to serve, a replacement is selected from the list of alternates by rank.

Do jurors who serve on the Grand Jury receive any monetary compensation?

The County of San Diego provides a stipend of $25 per day plus mileage and parking for those who serve on the Grand Jury.

What if I need more information?

If you have questions, need more information, or would like to request an application, please contact:

San Diego County Grand Jury
550 West C Street, Suite 860
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-236-2020
Fax: 619-338-8127