Empanel vs. Impanel — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 4, 2024
Empanel and impanel both refer to the act of selecting a jury, with "empanel" being more common in British English, whereas "impanel" is used in American English.
Difference Between Empanel and Impanel
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Key Differences
Empanel and impanel, at their core, refer to the process of selecting and enlisting individuals, especially jurors, for jury service. The terms are often used interchangeably in legal contexts, but there are nuances in their usage based on regional preferences.
Empanel is more commonly used in British English, denoting the act of enrolling members on a jury list. It emphasizes the preparation and listing aspect of jury formation. Whereas impanel, preferred in American English, focuses on the action of officially forming a jury for legal proceedings. This distinction reflects the slight variations in legal terminologies and practices between the two regions.
While empanel might evoke a broader sense of preparing and organizing panels or committees beyond the courtroom, impanel specifically conveys the procedural aspect of constituting a jury. This distinction illustrates how each term can be seen through the lens of its application within legal systems or beyond.
Moreover, the usage of empanel and impanel extends to figurative contexts where empanel might be used to describe the assembling of any committee or group with a specific purpose, emphasizing the selection and listing process. On the other hand, impanel often retains its legal connotation, tightly associated with jury selection, highlighting its procedural and formal aspects.
In discussing empanel and impanel, it's also important to consider their etymological origins, which trace back to the Old French word 'pannel', meaning a piece of cloth or list. This origin underscores the shared conceptual foundation of the terms, while their divergence in usage highlights the evolution of language in different legal and regional contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Regional Preference
More common in British English
Preferred in American English
Focus
On preparing and listing members for a jury or committee
On the official formation of a jury for legal proceedings
Application
Used in broader contexts beyond legal settings
Primarily used in legal contexts
Connotation
Can imply a broader assembling of panels or committees
Strongly associated with the procedural aspect of law
Etymological Origin
Derives from Old French 'pannel', meaning a piece of cloth
Shares the same origin, emphasizing the list aspect
Compare with Definitions
Empanel
The act of preparing a list of jury members.
Empaneling jurors is a critical step before the trial can begin.
Impanel
To formally select and swear in a jury for a court case.
The judge instructed to impanel the jury before proceedings commenced.
Empanel
The process of enrolling individuals for participation in a selection process.
The sports federation will empanel athletes for the national team.
Impanel
The process involved in jury selection for legal trials.
The defense and prosecution have roles in the impaneling process.
Empanel
To enlist individuals onto a list or group for jury service.
The court clerk will empanel a new jury for the upcoming trial.
Impanel
To officially enlist individuals for jury duty.
The court will impanel twelve jurors and two alternates for the case.
Empanel
To assemble a committee for a specific purpose.
The organization decided to empanel an expert committee to review the policy.
Impanel
The act of bringing together a group of jurors for a trial.
Impaneling a jury in high-profile cases often requires extensive questioning.
Empanel
To gather or select members for a panel discussion.
The conference organizers will empanel industry leaders for the debate.
Impanel
The action of constituting a jury from a pool of candidates.
Impaneling a fair and impartial jury is crucial for the justice system.
Empanel
Variant of impanel.
Impanel
To add or include (a person's name) on a list of persons selected for jury duty.
Empanel
Enlist or enrol (a jury).
Impanel
To select (a jury) for trial from such a list.
Empanel
Alternative spelling of impanel
Impanel
To enrol (jurors), e.g. from a jury pool; to register (the names of jurors) on a "panel" or official list.
Empanel
(legal) A list of jurors; a panel.
Impanel
To enter in a list, or on a piece of parchment, called a panel; to form or enroll, as a list of jurors in a court of justice.
Empanel
A list of jurors; a panel.
Impanel
Enter into a list of prospective jurors
Empanel
See Impanel.
Impanel
Select from a list;
Empanel prospective jurors
Empanel
Enter into a list of prospective jurors
Empanel
Select from a list;
Empanel prospective jurors
Common Curiosities
Is impanel used outside of legal contexts?
While primarily used in legal contexts, impanel can occasionally be used figuratively to describe assembling any formal group.
What does impanel mean?
Impanel refers to the formal act of constituting a jury for legal proceedings, focusing on the official selection and swearing-in process.
Is empanel more British or American?
Empanel is more commonly used in British English.
What is the origin of the terms empanel and impanel?
Both terms originate from Old French 'pannel', meaning a piece of cloth or list, reflecting their shared foundation in assembling groups.
Are empanel and impanel interchangeable?
Yes, empanel and impanel are often used interchangeably, especially in legal contexts, but regional preferences apply.
What role does a judge play in impaneling a jury?
A judge oversees the impaneling process, ensuring jurors are fairly selected and officially sworn in for a trial.
Can empanel be used for non-jury committees?
Yes, empanel can also describe the assembling of non-jury committees or panels for specific purposes.
Is there a difference in the procedural aspects of empaneling and impaneling?
While the procedural steps are similar, impanel specifically highlights the formal aspects of jury formation in legal proceedings.
Does impaneling require legal expertise?
Impaneling a jury involves legal procedures and may require expertise, particularly from legal professionals involved in jury selection.
What does empanel mean?
Empanel refers to the process of selecting and listing individuals, especially jurors, for service on a jury or committee.
What is the significance of empaneling a jury?
Empaneling a jury is a critical step in ensuring a fair trial, allowing for an impartial group to hear and decide on legal cases.
Can organizations outside the court system empanel groups?
Yes, organizations can empanel groups or committees for various purposes, emphasizing the selection and listing process.
How does one get empaneled?
Individuals are empaneled through a selection process, often involving listing and preparation for jury service or committee participation.
How do regional preferences affect the use of empanel and impanel?
Regional preferences, such as British or American English, influence the choice between empanel and impanel, reflecting differences in legal terminology.
Are there specific challenges associated with empaneling or impaneling?
Challenges can include ensuring diversity and impartiality among jurors, as well as logistical aspects of assembling the panel or jury.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
