Jury Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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jury
[ˈdʒʊəri ]
Definitions
court
A group of people sworn to render a verdict in a legal case based on the evidence presented in court.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| jury |
Used in legal situations, particularly in courtrooms to describe a group of people who decide whether someone is guilty or innocent.
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| panel |
Used in contexts where a group of people is assembled to discuss or judge something, such as in interviews, conferences, or media shows.
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| tribunal |
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.
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| board |
Appropriate for organizational or corporate settings, describing a group of people who make decisions for a company or other institution.
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Examples of usage
- The jury deliberated for hours before reaching a decision.
- The jury found the defendant guilty of murder.
competition
A group of experts or officials appointed to judge a competition or contest.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| jury |
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.
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| judges |
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.
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| panel |
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.
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| committee |
Use this term when referring to a group of people appointed for a specific function or task, often within an organization or institution.
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Examples of usage
- The jury of chefs tasted each dish and selected the winner.
- The jury awarded the first prize to the talented singer.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The concept of a jury dates back to ancient Greece, where citizens could participate in legal decisions.
- The word 'jury' comes from the Old French 'juree', meaning 'to swear', reflecting the oath jurors take to be fair.
- In England, the use of juries became formalized in the 12th century during the reign of King Henry II.
Legal System
- In many countries, juries are made up of citizens to ensure a fair trial by peers.
- There are typically two types of juries: grand juries, which determine whether charges should be brought, and trial juries, which decide the outcome of cases.
- Jurors are selected randomly from the population, ensuring a diverse group and a fair representation of the community.
Pop Culture
- Juries are a common theme in movies and TV shows, often depicted as the battleground for morality and justice.
- Famous trial dramas like '12 Angry Men' highlight the juror's role in shaping the verdict and exploring moral dilemmas.
- Several reality shows feature jury-like setups where contestants must decide the fate of their peers, reflecting societal values.
Psychology
- Group dynamics play a critical role in juries; the opinions of a few can heavily influence the decisions of others.
- Research shows that jurors often rely on emotional appeals and narratives rather than just facts, which can sway their decisions.
- Social pressure can affect jurors, leading them to conform to the majority opinion, even if they initially believed otherwise.
Statistics
- Studies suggest that jury verdicts can be significantly affected by demographic composition, such as age, gender, and ethnicity.
- The length and complexity of a trial can influence jury deliberation times, with longer trials potentially leading to less certain verdicts.
- On average, juries take about 2 to 4 hours to deliberate, though some cases can take much longer depending on their complexity.
Origin of 'jury'
The word 'jury' originated from Old French 'jurer', meaning 'to swear', which ultimately comes from Latin 'iūrāre'. The concept of a jury as a group of people sworn to give a verdict in a legal case dates back to medieval England. The modern jury system has evolved over centuries to become an integral part of the legal process in many countries.