WHAT YOU WILL NEED in order to submit a nomination online:

  1. Whether the nomination is for the A) Best Grand Jury report, B) Best Media Coverage award or C) Both
  2. County
  3. Date and title of the specific report being nominated for the Best Grand Jury report (if A or C)
  4. Name(s) of media outlet or reporter(s) nominated for the Best Media Coverage award (if B or C)
  5. Chapter, Association, or CGJA member (if no CGJA Chapter or Association) submitting the nomination
  6. Contact name (if different from above)
  7. Contact mailing address
  8. Contact telephone number
  9. Contact e-mail address
  10. Either online links (URLs) or electronic copies of supporting documentation for the following:
    • Nominated grand jury report (Best Grand Jury Report) and/or media outlet (Best Media Coverage award)
    • Official response(s) to the report by county agencies or individuals, as required by the investigation (for A or C)
    • Media coverage of the report (in all cases)
  11. Rationale: A brief explanation of why this nominee should receive the award

The criteria for the Best Grand Jury Reporting award include:

  • Significance of the issue, topic rationale.
  • Clear description of the investigation.
  • Findings follow from facts, recommendations based on the findings.
  • Clarity of the language, objectivity and fairness.
  • Identified problems accompanied by suggested means for resolution.
  • Impact on the citizenry.
  • Difficulty of the investigation.
  • Media coverage.
  • Agency acknowledgement.
  • Changes resulting from the report.

The criteria for Best Grand Jury Media Coverage award include:
[Nominations may be based on the coverage of a specific grand jury report or on the overall coverage given to a grand jury throughout the year.]

  • Increased awareness of the county’s current or most recent civil grand jury
  • Reported on the responses to grand jury report(s)
  • Educated community about the civil grand jury system in general
  • Covered the important basis of the grand jury report(s)
  • In-depth reporting vs superficial account
  • Extensive reporting (e.g., one-time versus multiple accounts and/or audience reach)
  • Additional points for information on obtaining reports, applying for and submitting complaints to the grand jury