Legal Definitions - panelation

Panelation refers to the formal process of selecting and seating a jury for a trial. This involves summoning a group of potential jurors, often called a jury pool or venire, and then conducting a selection process, known as voir dire, to question these individuals. The purpose of voir dire is to identify and exclude potential jurors who may be biased, have conflicts of interest, or are otherwise unsuitable, ultimately leading to the final twelve (or fewer, depending on the jurisdiction) jurors who will hear the evidence and decide the case.

• Example 1: High-Profile Criminal Trial

  Before a highly publicized murder trial begins, the court summons a large group of citizens to the courthouse. The judge and attorneys then spend several days questioning these potential jurors about their knowledge of the case, their opinions, and any potential biases. This extensive questioning and subsequent selection of the final twelve jurors who will hear the evidence is the act of panelation.

• Example 2: Complex Civil Litigation

  In a civil lawsuit involving a dispute over a multi-million dollar construction contract, the court needs to select a jury. During the panelation process, the lawyers for both the construction company and the client carefully question potential jurors to ensure they can understand complex contractual language and technical construction details, or at least remain open-minded to such evidence. The methodical selection of these specific individuals to form the jury constitutes panelation.

• Example 3: Jury Selection in a Small Community

  A local business owner is on trial for alleged fraud in a small town where many residents know the defendant personally. The judge and attorneys face a challenge during panelation. They must diligently question each potential juror to identify those who can set aside personal relationships or community opinions and render a fair and impartial verdict based solely on the evidence presented in court. The entire effort to sift through the community members and ultimately seat an unbiased jury is an example of panelation.