The spelling of the word "Imbracery" may seem perplexing at first glance, but it can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word is pronounced /ɪmˈbreɪsəri/ which helps to explain the spelling. The "im-" prefix means "into" or "within" and the "-brac-" comes from the Latin word "brachium" meaning "arm". Combining these elements with the suffix "-ery" which implies a place or a condition, we get a word that describes the act of corrupting a jury member or the legal process.
Imbracery is a legal term that refers to the act of attempting to improperly influence or manipulate members of a jury with bribery, coercion, or other corrupt practices. The word originates from the Old French term "embracer," which means to embrace or influence.
In the context of legal proceedings, imbracery involves any deliberate and unlawful attempt by a party, attorney, or their agents to interfere with the selection or functioning of a jury. This can include offering bribes or rewards to individual jurors, making threats or using intimidation tactics, attempting to sway a juror's opinion through coercion or deceit, or any other action that undermines the integrity and impartiality of the jury system.
Imbracery is seen as a serious offense that undermines the fundamental principles of justice and fair trial. It is universally condemned in most legal systems and carries severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, or in some cases, a mistrial.
The origins of imbracery can be traced back to medieval times when the jury system was first established. It was recognized as a threat to the integrity of the judicial process and was subsequently made illegal.
Overall, imbracery is a term used in legal contexts to describe the corrupt act of attempting to improperly influence or manipulate members of a jury, often through bribery, coercion, or other deceitful means.
The word "imbracery" originated from the Old French term "embrasour", which meant "endorsement" or "indictment". This term further evolved in the English language and transformed into "embracery" in the 15th century. The word refers to the act of attempting to influence, bribe, or corrupt a jury or juror in a legal trial. The current spelling "imbracery" emerged in the 16th century, possibly influenced by the word "imbricate", which means "to overlap". This etymology suggests the idea of someone trying to "overlap" or "enclose" a juror with corrupt intentions.