The correct spelling of the word "Talesman" is actually "Talisman." The IPA transcription for this word is /ˈtælɪzmən/. The first syllable "tal" sounds like "tahl" with a short "a" sound followed by "l." The second syllable "is" sounds like "izz" with a long "i" sound. The final syllable "man" sounds like "mən" with a short "u" sound followed by "n." A talisman is an object believed to possess magical powers and bring good luck to the owner.
A "talesman" refers to an individual who serves as a member of a group or jury that is empaneled to decide the outcome of a legal case in a court of law. This term is primarily used in English and Scottish legal systems.
The role of a talesman is to supplement or replace a regular juror when there is a shortfall or absence of jurors during a court trial. Unlike the normal jury selection process, where jurors are randomly selected from the general public, talesmen are selected by the judge or court officials and are sometimes specifically chosen to fill the gaps in the jury panel. Talesmen can be chosen from a pool of eligible individuals who attend the court proceedings, or they can be selected directly from a list of people who are willing to serve as substitute jurors.
Talesmen are required to be impartial and provide an unbiased judgment based on the relevant facts and evidence presented during the trial. They are expected to participate in deliberations alongside the regular jurors and contribute to the final decision-making process. Talesmen essentially act as a complement to the regular jurors, ensuring that the legal proceedings can continue smoothly and that the jury panel has enough members to reach a verdict.
Overall, a talesman is a crucial component of the jury system, providing the necessary support and ensuring that the legal process remains fair and just.
The word "talesman" is derived from the Middle English word "talesman" or "talemongere", which was formed by combining two Old English words: "tal" meaning "count" or "reckoning" and "man" referring to a person. Thus, the word originally meant "a person who counts or keeps track of something". Over time, the term evolved to describe someone who is summoned to serve as a juror or witness in a legal case. In modern usage, a talesman refers to a person selected randomly from a pool of potential jurors to serve on a jury.