Presented by Stan Roden
Would you like to see local government operate more efficiently or be more transparent and accountable? If so, you may wish to take this in-depth course about the Santa Barbara “Civil” Grand Jury system. As an arm of the Superior Court, the Grand Jury has the legal authority and duty to analyze and report on the operations of county and local government agencies. The Grand Jury chooses problems to investigate. If a super-majority (12/19 jurors) agrees, it conducts secret, confidential investigations into suspected government malfeasance or mismanagement. It may request the court to issue subpoenas. If warranted, the jury may issue meticulous public reports that include findings and recommendations, often leading to media coverage, public discussion, and improved local governance.