Empaneling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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empaneling
[ɛmˈpænəlɪŋ ]
Definition
legal procedure
Empaneling refers to the process of selecting and enrolling a group of individuals to serve as jurors in a legal trial. This process ensures that a fair and impartial jury is assembled to hear the case and render a verdict based on the evidence presented. The empaneling process can also apply to other contexts, such as assembling a panel of experts for various evaluations or discussions.
Synonyms
appointing, enrolling, forming, selecting.
Examples of usage
- The judge began the empaneling of jurors for the trial.
- Empaneling a diverse group of experts is crucial for the research project.
- The lawyer challenged several candidates during the empaneling process.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Legal System
- In court cases, empaneling is crucial for forming a jury that can fairly decide a verdict.
- Different jurisdictions have unique rules about how jurors are empaneled, affecting the selection process.
- Empaneling can involve questioning potential jurors about their background to ensure impartiality.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, the concept of a jury represents collective wisdom and community involvement in justice.
- Empaneling reflects democratic principles, emphasizing the importance of citizen participation in legal proceedings.
- Historical trial methods often relied on locally chosen individuals to represent public opinion and justice.
Psychological Aspects
- The selection process can introduce biases, affecting how jurors view the evidence presented.
- Experiments in social psychology show that group dynamics within an empaneled jury can influence decision-making.
- Understanding the emotional and cognitive biases of jurors is critical for lawyers during the empaneling process.
Modern Applications
- While traditionally associated with jury selection, empaneling is now used in various group decision-making contexts, like focus groups.
- Organizations often use empaneling techniques to gather diverse opinions for better problem-solving.
- Recent trends in virtual juries illustrate the evolving nature of empaneling in response to technology.
Origin of 'empaneling'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the root 'panel,' which refers to a group of people gathered to discuss important matters.
- Dating back to the late 16th century, it originally described the practice of selecting jurors.
- The prefix 'em-' indicates the action of putting a group into service or function.
The term 'empanel' originates from the Middle English word 'empanelen', which is a combination of the prefix 'em-' (meaning to put into) and 'panel', derived from Old French 'panel' meaning 'a piece or part'. Historically, 'panel' referred to a group of jurors selected to make decisions in legal matters. The evolution of the term reflects the importance of jury selection in the legal system, marking a shift from a singular judge's decision to a collective judgment by a group of individuals. In modern usage, empaneling has extended beyond legal contexts to include situations where a group of people is appointed for consultation or decision-making in various professional fields.