Legal Definitions - panel

In legal contexts, a panel refers to a select group of individuals chosen from a larger pool to perform a specific function, make a decision, or serve a particular role. This term is most commonly associated with potential jurors, judges, and arbitrators.

• Jury Panel

  A jury panel is the group of citizens summoned to court from which the final jury for a specific trial will be selected. These individuals are screened through a process called voir dire to ensure their impartiality and suitability to serve.

  • Example 1: For a high-stakes corporate fraud trial, the court issued summonses to over one hundred potential jurors. This large group constituted the initial jury panel, from which the attorneys would eventually select the twelve jurors and several alternates to hear the case.

    Explanation: This illustrates the initial pool of citizens called to court, before the final jury is chosen, which is the definition of a jury panel.

  • Example 2: During the selection process for a civil lawsuit concerning a car accident, the judge and lawyers questioned fifty individuals who made up the jury panel. They asked about their experiences, biases, and ability to be fair, aiming to seat an impartial jury.

    Explanation: Here, the fifty individuals represent the group from which the trial jury will be formed, fitting the definition of a jury panel.

• Judicial Panel

  A judicial panel is a specific group of judges, typically three, assigned to hear and decide a particular case. This is especially common in appellate courts, where multiple judges review lower court decisions, but can also occur in trial courts for certain types of cases.

  • Example 1: After a federal district court ruled against a state's new environmental regulation, the state appealed the decision. The appeal was heard by a judicial panel of three judges from the U.S. Court of Appeals, who reviewed the legal arguments and the trial record.

    Explanation: This demonstrates a common use of a judicial panel in an appellate court, where a group of judges collectively decides on an appeal.

  • Example 2: In a rare and significant case challenging the constitutionality of a nationwide healthcare law, a special judicial panel of three federal district court judges was convened to hear the initial arguments, rather than a single judge, due to the profound public interest and legal complexity.

    Explanation: This shows a judicial panel being used in a trial court setting for specific, high-importance cases, as mandated by law.

• Arbitration Panel

  An arbitration panel (sometimes called an arbitral tribunal in international contexts) is a group of individuals, often experts in a particular field, appointed by parties to a dispute to resolve their conflict outside of traditional court litigation. The panel hears evidence and arguments and then issues a binding decision.

  • Example 1: Two construction companies had a disagreement over payment terms for a large building project. As per their contract, they submitted their dispute to a three-person arbitration panel, consisting of a retired judge and two experienced construction engineers, to render a final decision.

    Explanation: This illustrates a group of appointed experts acting as an arbitration panel to resolve a commercial dispute, as an alternative to court.

  • Example 2: When a professional athlete was accused of violating league rules, the matter was referred to an independent arbitration panel. This panel, composed of legal professionals and former athletes, reviewed the evidence and testimony before deciding on the appropriate disciplinary action.

    Explanation: This example shows an arbitration panel resolving a dispute in a specialized context, highlighting its role as an alternative dispute resolution body.

• Panel Attorney

  A panel attorney is a private lawyer who is part of an approved roster or group (a "panel") of attorneys available to be appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford legal counsel (indigent defendants). These attorneys are compensated by the court for their services.

  • Example 1: When a defendant was arrested for a felony and stated they could not afford a lawyer, the court appointed an attorney from its pre-approved panel of attorneys specializing in criminal defense to represent them throughout the proceedings.

    Explanation: This demonstrates an attorney being selected from a court-approved list (a panel) to provide legal representation to an indigent client.

  • Example 2: To ensure fair representation for all parties in complex family law cases involving child welfare, the court maintains a diverse panel of attorneys with expertise in family law, from which it can appoint counsel for parents or children who lack financial means.

    Explanation: This highlights the existence of a roster (panel) of qualified private attorneys available for court appointments in specific legal areas.