Jury: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in legal situations, particularly in courtrooms to describe a group of people who decide whether someone is guilty or innocent.

• The jury reached a unanimous verdict of not guilty.
• She was nervous as she awaited the jury's decision.

Used in contexts where a group of people is assembled to discuss or judge something, such as in interviews, conferences, or media shows.

• The panel of experts will review all the applications.
• She was invited to speak on a panel about climate change.

Typically found in legal or quasi-legal settings, usually referring to a less formal court or a special court for specific types of issues like labor disputes, with a somewhat negative connotation suggesting formality and seriousness.

• The case was referred to an industrial tribunal for resolution.
• He has appealed the tribunal's decision on discrimination.

Appropriate for organizational or corporate settings, describing a group of people who make decisions for a company or other institution.

• The board of directors will meet next week to discuss the merger.
• He was appointed to the board for his extensive experience in finance.

Use this word when you are talking about a group of people who are chosen to decide the result of a legal case in a court of law.

• The jury found the defendant guilty.
• The lawyer addressed the jury with her final arguments.

This word is typically used to refer to individuals who have the authority to make decisions in legal cases; it can also refer to people in charge of scoring in contests or competitions.

• The judges ruled in favor of the plaintiff.
• The dance competition will be assessed by three judges.

Use this word when you refer to a group of people gathered for a discussion, usually experts in a particular field, or a group selected to judge a competition.

• The panel of experts discussed the new technology trends.
• She presented her project to a panel of judges.

Use this term when referring to a group of people appointed for a specific function or task, often within an organization or institution.

• The finance committee will review the budget proposal.
• She was elected to the planning committee.