Definition of the word jury

The word "jury" originated from the Old French term "jure", which means "to swear". This refers to the historic practice of swearing jurors to deliver a true verdict. In medieval England, the words "jure" and "jury" became synonymous with the group of people who performed this duty. The term gradually evolved to refer to the body of people selected to hear evidence and decide the guilt or innocence of a defendant in a court of law. The concept of swearing a jury dates back to the Normans' introduction of the trial by jury system in 12th-century England. This system was influenced by the Norman Conquest of England and was modeled after the French "inquest", where local landowners and citizens would convene to investigate and settle disputes. Over time, the term "jury" has been adopted in many languages and has become a central part of the criminal justice system in many countries.