The Grand Jury is composed of 16 to 23 jurors who are selected electronically every six months. By state statute, the duties of the Grand Jury are limited to those duties required by the Constitution and laws or by an order of any Superior Court Judge of the County. The Grand Jury has both criminal and civil duties. The criminal duties include hearing criminal charges, issuing indictments, and making presentments.
The civil duties of the Grand Jury include performing inspections of the condition and operations of the County jail each year, and every three years inspecting the offices and operations of the Clerk of the Superior Court; the judge of the Probate Court; the County Treasurer; and the office of the District Attorney. A copy of the County budget must be delivered to the Grand Jury within 10 days of its adoption by the Board of Commissioners. In addition to the required inspections, the Grand Jury has the power to inspect or investigate the conditions and operations of any County office, department, or official, whenever at least eight jurors deem it necessary. Based upon the investigations, the Grand Jury may prepare and publish reports or issue presentments. The Grand Jury also has the power to make appointments to certain County boards and committees, including the Board of Equalization, Ethics Panel, and Licensing and Revenue Board of Appeals.
