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Simple English definitions for legal terms
poll
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A quick definition of poll:
Definition: Poll is a word often used in elections. It can mean the process of voting, the place where voting happens, or the result of the voting. Before elections, organizations may ask people what they think to try to guess who will win. Poll can also be used in court when a jury has to decide if someone is guilty or not. After the jury decides, the court may ask each juror if they agree with the decision. Poll taxes used to be a tax people had to pay to vote, but that is not allowed anymore. A straw poll is a vote that doesn't really count. Poll is also used to talk about how a government can make laws to make people do things for the good of everyone.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Poll is a term commonly used in the context of elections. It can refer to the process of voting, the place where voting takes place, or the result of the voting. Before elections, organizations may conduct polls to survey public opinion and predict the outcome. In legal contexts, poll is also used in the context of juries in criminal cases. After a verdict is reached, a poll may be conducted to ensure that the jury reached a unanimous decision without coercion. Other legal phrases that use the term "poll" include "poll taxes" and "straw polls."
- During the election, many news outlets conduct polls to predict the outcome.
- After the jury reached a verdict, the judge conducted a poll to ensure that all jurors agreed with the decision.
- Historically, some states imposed poll taxes on their residents, requiring them to pay a fixed tax to vote.
- A straw poll is a nonbinding vote used to gauge public opinion on a particular issue or candidate.
These examples illustrate how the term "poll" is used in different contexts, including elections and legal proceedings. Polls can be used to predict outcomes or ensure fair decision-making, while "poll taxes" and "straw polls" are examples of historical and informal uses of the term.