Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: twelve-month liquidation
Impaneling is the process of choosing a group of people called a jury to decide a court case. First, names of potential jurors are randomly collected. Then, the individuals who will serve on the jury are selected. People who don't want to serve on the jury can explain why. The defense and prosecution can also dismiss potential jurors. Finally, the chosen jurors and alternate jurors are sworn in.
Impaneling
Impaneling, also known as empaneling, is the process of selecting and assigning a group of people called a jury to decide a case. The steps of impaneling may include:
When a person is accused of a crime and goes to trial, a jury is impaneled to hear the evidence and decide whether the person is guilty or not guilty. For example, in a murder trial, the court may randomly select a group of people from the community to serve on the jury. The defense and prosecution may then ask questions to determine if any of the potential jurors have biases or conflicts of interest that would prevent them from being fair and impartial. Once the final group of jurors is selected, they are sworn in and the trial begins.
Another example of impaneling a jury is in a civil case, such as a personal injury lawsuit. In this type of case, a group of people is selected to hear the evidence and decide whether the defendant is liable for the plaintiff's injuries. The process of impaneling a jury is similar to that of a criminal trial, with potential jurors being questioned by the attorneys and dismissed if they have biases or conflicts of interest.
These examples illustrate how impaneling is an important part of the legal system, as it ensures that a fair and impartial group of people is selected to decide the outcome of a case.