Impanelling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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impanelling
[ɪmˈpæn.əl.ɪŋ ]
Definition
jury selection
Impanelling refers to the process of selecting and organizing a jury for a trial. This is a critical step in the judicial process, as the jury is responsible for listening to the evidence presented during the trial and rendering a verdict. The process often involves questioning potential jurors to determine their suitability and impartiality. Impanelling is important to ensure a fair trial and to uphold the legal system's integrity. Jurors who are selected will be sworn in and expected to fulfill their duties as impartial judges of the facts.
Synonyms
jury formation, jury selection.
Examples of usage
- The impanelling of jurors was completed by noon.
- During the impanelling process, the judge asked potential jurors various questions.
- The attorney raised concerns during the impanelling of the jury.
- After the impanelling, the trial could finally begin.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Legal History
- The practice of impanelling juries dates back to ancient Greece, where citizens would gather to decide legal cases.
- In England, the right to a jury trial was established in the Magna Carta of 1215, paving the way for modern impanelling procedures.
Cultural Practices
- Many cultures have their own forms of community decision-making, paralleling the process of forming juries by gathering representatives.
- In some societies, juries are made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds to reflect the community, adding fairness to the process.
Psychology
- Selecting a jury involves understanding biases, as the backgrounds and beliefs of jurors can influence verdicts.
- The process requires legal teams to assess how jurors' experiences might affect their views on the case.
Pop Culture
- Jury selection has been dramatized in various films and TV shows, often highlighting the tension and strategies involved.
- Popular legal dramas frequently focus on the dynamics of the jury, showcasing how impanelling is critical to the story's outcome.
Origin of 'impanelling'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'pannus', meaning cloth or a piece that helps form something, similar to how jurors form a decision.
- In legal terms, 'panel' refers to a list of potential jurors, with 'impaneling' referring to the act of selecting them.
The term 'impanelling' originates from the combination of the prefix 'in-' meaning 'into' and 'panel', which refers to a group of people assembled for a specific purpose. The term 'panel' itself comes from the Old French word 'panel', which originally meant a cloth or piece of fabric, and later evolved to signify a group of individuals gathered for juristic purposes. The use of 'impanelling' in a legal context dates back to the late 14th century, reflecting the establishment of formal processes in judicial systems. Over time, it became standard legal terminology in English-speaking jurisdictions, capturing the essence of jury organization in trials.