trial jury: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2/C1Formal, legal, journalistic, academic
Quick answer
What does “trial jury” mean?
A group of ordinary citizens (jurors) who are sworn in to hear evidence in a court of law and decide questions of fact in a legal case, typically resulting in a verdict.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A group of ordinary citizens (jurors) who are sworn in to hear evidence in a court of law and decide questions of fact in a legal case, typically resulting in a verdict.
The institution of the jury system as a component of the right to a fair trial; can also metaphorically refer to any group assembled to judge or assess something (e.g., 'the trial jury of public opinion').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The concept and function are identical in both systems, though jury size (traditionally 12 in UK, often 6-12 in US) and unanimity requirements can vary. The UK term 'jury service' vs. US 'jury duty' for the citizen's obligation.
Connotations
Strongly associated with democratic rights, civic duty, and the principle of being judged by one's peers. In the US, it is a central, constitutionally-protected right; in the UK, it is a long-standing common law tradition.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English media and discourse due to the high-profile nature of jury trials in US news and popular culture.
Grammar
How to Use “trial jury” in a Sentence
The trial jury (verb) the evidence.The trial jury (verb) the defendant (adjective).A trial jury was (verb) to decide the case.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “trial jury” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The trial jury retired to consider its verdict after a three-week case.
- Selection of the trial jury was a meticulous process.
- The integrity of the trial jury is paramount to justice.
American English
- The trial jury found the defendant not guilty on all counts.
- She was excused from serving on the trial jury due to hardship.
- The defence attorney's closing argument was aimed directly at the trial jury.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, unless in context of corporate litigation (e.g., 'The CEO faced a trial jury for fraud.').
Academic
Common in legal, political science, and history texts discussing judicial systems, civic participation, and legal rights.
Everyday
Used when discussing news stories about court cases, or personal experiences with jury duty/service.
Technical
Precise legal term distinguishing the trial jury from other types (grand jury, coroner's jury).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “trial jury”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “trial jury”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “trial jury”
- Using 'judge jury' (redundant/incorrect).
- Confusing 'trial jury' with 'grand jury'.
- Saying 'jury trial' instead of 'trial jury' when referring to the people (jury trial = the event; trial jury = the group).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'petit jury' (from French 'small') is the formal, alternative legal term for a trial jury, distinguishing it from a 'grand jury'.
Procedures vary by jurisdiction. Typically, jurors must remain passive listeners, but in some courts (e.g., some UK courts, Arizona in US), jurors may submit written questions for the judge to consider asking witnesses.
It results in a 'hung jury'. The judge declares a mistrial, and the case may be retried with a new trial jury.
Potential jurors are randomly selected from voter or driver registration lists. The final jury is chosen through a process called 'voir dire', where lawyers and the judge question them to ensure impartiality.
A group of ordinary citizens (jurors) who are sworn in to hear evidence in a court of law and decide questions of fact in a legal case, typically resulting in a verdict.
Trial jury is usually formal, legal, journalistic, academic in register.
Trial jury: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtraɪəl ˈdʒʊəri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtraɪəl ˈdʒʊri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Trial by jury”
- “The jury is out (metaphorical extension)”
- “A jury of one's peers”
- “To put something before a jury”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TRIAL (the main court event) needing a TRI- (three-part) process: judge, lawyers, and JURY. The jury is essential for the trial.
Conceptual Metaphor
JUSTICE IS A SCALE WEIGHED BY THE PEOPLE; A TRIAL JURY IS THE CONSCIENCE OF THE COMMUNITY.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a trial jury?