Jury Definition, Role, and Examples in Court

Meaning 1：fact-finding group (jury)

jury 🔊

/ˈdʒʊri/

A group of ordinary people chosen to listen to a court case and decide if the defendant is guilty or not.

Jury group listening in courtroom box during trial

fact-finding group 🔊

➕

/ˈfækt ˌfaɪndɪŋ ɡruːp/

A group of ordinary citizens selected to hear evidence in a court and deliver a verdict of guilty or not guilty.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：primary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'jurare' (to swear), via Old French 'juree' (oath).

💡 Mnemonic

Jury contains 'ur' like 'your' - your verdict decides.

📖 Example

The jury listened carefully to all the evidence before reaching their decision. 🔊 The jury listened carefully to all the evidence before reaching their decision.

🔗 Collocations

jury duty – the obligation to serve on a jury

jury trial – a trial in which the verdict is decided by a jury

hung jury – a jury that cannot reach a unanimous verdict

🔄 Synonyms

panel (n.) – a group of people selected for a specific purpose, such as judging

tribunal (n.) – a body established to settle disputes or judge, often in legal context

fact-finder (n.) – a person or group that determines the facts in a legal case

🚫 Antonyms

single judge (n.) – a lone judge who decides the case without a jury

🌱 Derivatives

juror (n.) – a member of a jury

juryless (adj.) – without a jury

📖 Cultural Story

Originating in medieval England, 12 men sworn (Latin 'jurare') gave local evidence. This evolved into modern juries deciding guilt based on court evidence.