Recruitment for the 2025-26 Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury Begins: Santa Clara County Residents Encouraged to Apply

SAN JOSÉ, California (November 15, 2024):  Presiding Judge Beth McGowen of the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, is inviting civic-minded individuals to apply for service on the 2025-26 Civil Grand Jury, a vital component of the judicial branch dedicated to upholding transparency and accountability in local governance.

The Civil Grand Jury, an independent body convened annually, acts as the county's civil watchdog agency, empowered to investigate all facets of county and city government, special districts, and school districts. Under the direction of the Court, the Grand Jury is authorized to scrutinize books, records, and financial expenditures, ensuring the responsible use of public funds. Additionally, the Civil Grand Jury is tasked with evaluating the conditions of jails and juvenile detention facilities.

Judge McGowen highlights the civic value of participating in the Civil Grand Jury, stating, "Serving as a Civil Grand Juror allows individuals to embrace their civic duty fully. It is an empowering experience, providing citizens with an in-depth understanding of local governance and an invaluable platform to drive constructive change. Through this engagement, jurors contribute meaningful insights and recommendations that support government transparency, accountability, and the ongoing betterment of our community."

To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years of age or older, United States citizens, and residents of Santa Clara County.  Persons selected for Civil Grand Jury service must make a time commitment of an average of 25 hours per week for a period of one fiscal year.  The term of the 2025-26 Civil Grand Jury will commence on July 1, 2025 and end on June 30, 2026. 

To ensure accessibility, the application process for the 2025-26 Civil Grand Jury is available online. Prospective applicants can access the 2025-26 application and the Court's Civil Grand Jury brochure online. For inquiries or additional information, please contact Britney Huelbig, Deputy Manager for the Civil Grand Jury, at 408-882-2721 or CGJ@scscourt.org.

The deadline to submit applications is March 28, 2025.  Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference in your community by actively participating in the oversight of local governance.

About the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara:

The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, is committed to providing fair and efficient justice for the community. The Civil Grand Jury plays a crucial role in upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and civic engagement within the local government.