Empanel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
⚖️
empanel
[ɛmˈpæn.əl ]
Definition
legal context
To empanel means to select or enlist individuals to serve on a jury or panel, typically for legal proceedings. This process involves choosing jurors from a pool of candidates, ensuring they meet the necessary legal qualifications.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The court will empanel a jury next week.
- Jurors are empaneled to hear the case.
- It is the duty of the judge to empanel a fair jury.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- Empaneling is a crucial step in the legal process to ensure a fair trial by forming a jury.
- In many jurisdictions, jurors are randomly selected to reduce bias and promote impartiality.
- The process often involves questioning potential jurors to identify any potential conflicts of interest.
Cultural Significance
- In the United States, the empaneling of juries reflects democratic values, allowing citizens to participate in justice.
- Throughout history, the practice has evolved, with different cultures developing unique methods for selecting jurors.
- In some countries, juries are not a standard part of the judicial system, showcasing different approaches to justice.
Psychology
- The selection of jurors can influence the outcome of trials, as group dynamics play a significant role in deliberations.
- Studies show that jurors' backgrounds can affect their interpretations of evidence and verdicts.
- Empaneling diverse jurors helps broaden perspectives and can lead to more equitable outcomes.
Media Representation
- Movies often dramatize the empaneling process, showcasing the tension and implications of jury selection.
- Television shows about law and crime frequently highlight pivotal moments during jury empaneling, making it a cultural touchpoint.
- Many documentaries explore real-life trials, shedding light on the human stories behind the empaneling process.
Origin of 'empanel'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'empaneler,' which means to place on a panel.
- In legal terms, a 'panel' originally referred to a list of names of jurors.
- The prefix 'em-' means 'to cause to be,' indicating the action of forming or creating.
The word 'empanel' comes from the prefix 'em-' meaning to cause to be in a particular state, and 'panel,' which refers to a group of people selected for a specific purpose. The term can be traced back to legal practices in England where juries were formed to serve in trials. Its roots are found in Middle English, derived from the Old French 'panel', which meant a list of jurors. The process of empaneling has been central to the administration of justice, emphasizing the importance of a jury of peers in legal systems, particularly those influenced by common law traditions.