Empanelling

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. The act of selecting individuals to serve on a jury for a trial | The process of assembling a group of jurors to hear a legal case | The formal system of choosing members for jury duty in court proceedings
2. The process of choosing individuals to form a jury for a trial | The formal procedure for selecting jurors who will deliberate in legal cases | The method employed to gather a jury panel that will participate in courtroom decisions
3. The procedure of selecting individuals to be jurors who will adjudicate in a legal trial | The act of organizing and appointing persons to serve on a jury for court cases | The formal process involved in assembling jurors to deliberate on legal matters in court

Etymology: "Empanelling" is a term deeply rooted in the legal tradition, specifically referring to the process of selecting and assembling a jury. The history of this word can be traced back to the 14th century, deriving from the Old French "empaneler," which itself comes from the combination of "en-" (a prefix meaning "to put into") and "panel" (referring to a list of jurors). This etymological evolution highlights the word's connection to the systematic organization required in legal proceedings. The word "panel" has a rich background, originally meaning a "piece" or "section," and can be linked to the Latin "pannus," which means "cloth" or "piece of cloth." This connection is significant as jurors were historically selected from a list written on a piece of parchment or cloth, signifying the physical document that contained the names of potential jurors. Thus, "empanelling" embodies the act of taking individuals and placing them on a formal list, ready to serve in the judicial context. The first recorded usage of the word in English dates back to the 15th century, capturing the formalization of jury duty as a critical component of the legal system. Over time, the meaning of "empanelling" has remained relatively stable, primarily associated with the legal context of jury selection, but it also hints at a larger theme of organization and structure within the law. The procedural nature of this term reflects the importance of fairness and order in the judicial process. As the word evolved, it became more than just a technical term; it symbolizes the vital role that juries play in ensuring justice. The act of empanelling a jury is not merely administrative; it represents a cornerstone of democratic legal systems, where ordinary citizens are called upon to deliberate and make decisions on matters of law. Today, this term is often encountered in courtrooms and legal discussions, maintaining its significance as a bridge between the past and present practices of law.

Synonyms: selecting, summoning