Pronunciation: [ɪmpˈanə͡lz] (IPA) 
The word "impanels" refers to the process of selecting and assembling a jury for a legal trial. Phonetically spelled as /ɪmˈpænəlz/, it is pronounced as "im-pan-uhls." The word is composed of the prefix "im-" which means "in" or "into," and "panels" which refers to a group of people brought together for a particular task. To remember its spelling, one may associate it with its synonym "empanelling" or its related word "panel."
Impanels is a term used in legal and judicial contexts, particularly in criminal trials. The word is derived from the combination of the preposition "im-" and the noun "panel." To impanel means to assemble a group of individuals, known as a jury or a panel, from a pool of potential jurors or panelists.
When a court impanels a jury, it involves the selection and summoning of individuals who are considered eligible to serve as jurors in a particular trial. This process typically involves various steps, such as creating a list of potential jurors, sending out summonses, and conducting a voir dire examination to determine their qualifications and impartiality. Once the necessary number of jurors is impaneled, they are sworn in, and the trial can commence.
The purpose of impaneling a jury is to ensure a fair and unbiased trial. By selecting jurors from a diverse group of individuals, the court aims to gather a representative cross-section of the community. This diversity is crucial to ensure that verdicts are objective and reflective of the values and judgments shared by the wider society.
Overall, impaneling a jury plays a vital role in upholding the principles of justice and providing a fair trial to defendants. It is crucial for the proper functioning of the legal system, allowing the accused and the prosecution to present their cases before an impartial group of individuals who will ultimately determine the outcome of the trial.
The word "impanels" is a variant spelling of the word "impanel", which is derived from the Middle English term "empanellen". This Middle English term can be broken down into two parts: "en-" which is a prefix indicating "in" or "to", and "panell", derived from the Old French term "panel" meaning "a list or schedule". The Old French term traces its roots back to the Medieval Latin term "pannellus", which referred to a small piece of cloth.
In English, specifically in legal contexts, "impanel" means to select or enroll individuals to serve as members of a jury or a panel. It typically involves selecting a group of individuals from a larger pool to participate in a trial or adjudication process.
