Attorney General No.

SA85RF0014

Secretary of State No.

370

Description

CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE. Amends constitution to enact changes in criminal trial proceedings. Provides judges rather than attorneys shall question prospective jurors; questions limited to determining whether jurors can be challenged for cause. Requires that questioning be in presence of other jurors. Excepting death penalty cases, provides that verdict may be rendered by 10 of 12 jurors rather than by unanimous vote. Provides grand jury indictment is sufficient to compel a trial without a preliminary hearing. Requires Superior Court judges prepare and post specified reports, including sentences, plea bargains, and sentence recommendations. Makes other changes. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Some changes, especially those relating to the jury selection process and nonunanimous jury verdicts, probably would result in savings to state and local governments. Provisions imposing additional judicial recordkeeping requirements would result in additional costs to counties. Given data presently available, measure would probably result in unknown net savings to the state and local governments.

Proponents

Sterling E. Norris, 17213 Tuba, Northridge, California 91324 (213) 974-3706 Business Phone (818) 368-9317 Residence Phone

Date

12-18-1985

Document Type

Initiative

Qualified

Failed to Qualify

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