The correct spelling of the word "impannelled" can be confusing. It is pronounced as /ɪmˈpænld/ and means to select a group of jurors for a trial. It is spelled with a double "n" and "e" at the end to indicate its past participle form. The word comes from the Middle English "impanelen" which means to enroll someone on a jury. Nowadays, the word is rarely used as "empaneled" is the more commonly used spelling in the US.
The term "impannelled" is an adjective that is primarily used in legal contexts. It refers to the act of selecting or assembling a panel of individuals who will serve as jurors or members of a tribunal for a particular trial or hearing.
When a legal case is brought to trial, the process of impanelling is undertaken by the court to ensure a fair and impartial hearing. This involves selecting a group of potential jurors from a pool of eligible individuals who possess the necessary qualifications to serve on the panel. The impanelling process typically involves questioning potential jurors to assess their suitability and impartiality.
Once selected and sworn in, the individuals become members of the impanelled jury or tribunal. They are responsible for listening attentively to the evidence presented and the arguments made by the parties involved in the case. Their role is to deliberate on the facts presented in order to arrive at a verdict or decision in accordance with the law.
Impanelling is an essential step in the legal proceedings as it contributes to the fairness and transparency of the trial. The impanelled individuals are expected to be unbiased and impartial, evaluating the evidence objectively without any preconceived notions or personal biases.
Overall, the term "impannelled" signifies the act of selecting, assembling, and swearing in a group of individuals who will serve as jurors or members of a tribunal for a specific legal proceeding.
The word "impannelled" is derived from the Old French word "empaneler", which itself is a combination of "en" (in) and "pannel" (a piece of cloth). In Old French, "empaneler" referred to the action of placing a piece of cloth over someone or something to protect or cover them. Over time, the term came to be associated with the practice of selecting a jury by covering their names with a piece of cloth or panel, and thus "impanelling" came to mean the act of selecting and summoning a jury. In modern usage, "impannelled" typically refers to the act of formally seating a jury for a trial.