a body of citizens sworn to give a true verdict according to the evidence presented in a court of law
"The jury deliberated for six hours before reaching a unanimous decision based on the testimony they heard."
A group of individuals chosen from the general population to hear and decide a case in a court of law.
"The jury spent three days deliberating before reaching a verdict on the defendant's guilt."
In plain English: A jury is a group of regular people chosen to decide if someone is guilty or not guilty in a court case.
"The jury spent two days deliberating before reaching a verdict."
Usage: Use "jury" to refer specifically to the panel of citizens selected to listen to evidence and render a verdict in a legal trial. Do not use it as a synonym for a general group of people or an audience unless they are officially serving on that specific court panel.
To judge by means of a jury.
"The court decided to try the case before a jury rather than having a single judge make the final ruling."
In plain English: To jury something means to act as a judge or decide on its quality, though this usage is rare and usually refers to selecting people for a jury rather than evaluating objects directly.
"The jury did not reach a verdict until late in the evening."
Usage: The verb form of "jury" simply means to serve on a jury and should only be used in legal contexts involving criminal or civil trials. It is incorrect to use this word when referring to an individual's personal opinion or general assessment outside of a courtroom setting.
For temporary use; applied to a temporary contrivance.
"We rigged up a jury of rope and wood to hold the leaky barrel in place until the proper clamp could be installed."
"The jury duty schedule was printed on his calendar."
Usage: The adjective form of jury describes something made or used temporarily, such as a jury rig on a boat. Use it only when referring to makeshift solutions rather than permanent equipment.
The word jury comes from the Latin verb meaning "to swear," reflecting its original role as a group of people who took an oath. It traveled into English through Middle English and Anglo-Norman before becoming part of modern legal language.