Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia

Grand Jury Handbook

Grand Jury Handbook - 2011 Edition
The Jury Composition Reform Act of 2011 (2011 HB 415) which was enacted by the legislature makes numerous changes to the laws governing both grand and trial juries. While most of the changes primarily affect the way juror lists are developed or how jurors are selected and are not effective until July 1, 2012, there are several affecting the grand jury that are effective July 1, 2011.

Some of the significant changes to be aware of are:

  • OCGA 15-12-60(a) has been amended to remove the phrase "and who are the most experienced, upright, and intelligent persons" from the qualification of grand jurors;
  • OCGA 15-12-61(b) has been amended so that the clerk of the preceding grand jury cannot "appear before it for the purpose of reviewing and reporting the actions of the immediately preceding grand jury" and be compensated for such appearance.
  • For a more detailed analysis of HB 415, see the PAC summary on Bills that Passed During the 2011 Legislative Session.
     

Please note that, due to budget constraints, the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia will not print the 2011 edition of the Grand Jury Handbook.

Custom covers, including your district attorney's name and photo, are available to district attorney offices upon request. Please e-mail Katherine Dean (kdean@pacga.org) for more information.