Bill Introduced to Consider Race, Gender in California Grand Juries

A file photograph of a judge's gavel. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO—Assemblyman Chris Ward (D-San Diego) has introduced legislation aimed at improving the diversity of California grand jury panels, it was announced Feb. 15.

While jury commissioners are currently required to consider the geographic makeup of a jury pool, Ward’s office says Assembly Bill 1972 would amend the statutory requirements to include gender, age, race, and ethnicity during the grand jury selection process.