El Dorado County looking for grand jury members
El Dorado County is going to try to field a grand jury for 2013-14 after this year’s had to be disbanded because so many jurors walked out.
Applicants must be Untied States citizens, at least 18 years of age, have resided in the county for at least one year at the time of the swearing-in date, and cannot hold an elected office.
Jurors serve for a period of one year commencing July 1.
The El Dorado Civil Grand Jury is an investigatory body created for the protection of society and the enforcement of the law. It is an arm of the court and a representative of the public.
Meetings are compensated at the maximum rate of $15 per day of meeting; mileage is compensated at the rate payable to employees of El Dorado County for each mile actually and necessarily traveled for purposes of said sessions or committee work. No other compensation is provided.
Qualified citizens who have an interest in this unique type of service may pick up an application from Suzanne M. Thurman, Executive Administrative Assistant for the Superior Court, at 2850 Fairlane Court, Suite 110 (Building C), Placerville or call (530) 621.7414. May 17 is the deadline for submitting an application.
Obviously limited to Placerville residents.
Not true – anyone who meets the qualifications, regardless of where they live in the county, can serve on the grand jury. Tahoe residents who are interested are encouraged to apply. Grand jurors are reimbursed for actual mileage traveled, as it states in the article.
Someone from Tahoe has to drive about 4 hours round trip every day. How is that feasible.
I seem to remember issues with people in positions of authority related to the Grand Jury.
The previous Jury seemed to have voted with there feet. Something stinks at the top.
I am to lazy to go find the detail, but there were articles here indicating that something was foul in the grand jury.
what has changed?
Tahoeadvocate, videoconferencing is available for the grand jury members to use, so driving isn’t always necessary. If an in person meeting or interview is required, the distance between Tahoe and Placerville is less than 60 miles. I suppose the drive could take four hours if road conditions were really adverse, but in most instances would take half of that time. There are a number of people who live in the basin who are retired, have flexible schedules, etc. who could participate if interested. Retired folks with a significant background in business or government service could really assist a grand jury in scrutinizing the operations of the county. People from Tahoe do volunteer to serve on the grand jury, even with the time and distance involved.
What happened that made jurors walk out? Not a good sign…
It cracks me up when people ask questions that they don’t really want answered, and then someone knowledgeable responds to them and makes them looks silly.
scadmin
The 92/93 GJ did not have videoconferencing. How is it programed ? I can visualize a general meeting but not a committee meeting. Based on my expirience of finding only one member available full time and interested enough to devote his time in a tough SLT case.