jury

ju-ry · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A group of people sworn to give a verdict in a legal case based on evidence presented.

  2. 2.

    A group of people chosen to judge a competition.

Forms

plural: juries

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    the jury is still out — a decision has not yet been made
  • •
    jury duty — service as a member of a jury
  • •
    grand jury — a jury that determines whether there is enough evidence to bring charges
  • •
    trial by jury — a legal proceeding decided by a jury
  • •
    hung jury — a jury unable to reach a unanimous verdict

Related words

See also: court, judge, trial, verdict
Synonyms: panel, tribunal

Etymology

From Anglo-French "juree" (oath, jury, inquest), from Medieval Latin "iurata" (an oath), feminine past participle of Latin "iurare" (to swear), from "ius" (law, right). Related to "juror," "jurisdiction," and "judge."