blue-ribbon jury

American  

noun

1. a jury composed of persons having more than ordinary education and presumably exceptional intelligence and perceptiveness, selected by the court on the motion of plaintiff or defendant to try cases of unusual complexity or importance.

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blue-ribbon jury British  

noun

1. a US name for a special jury

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Etymology

Origin of blue-ribbon jury

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40

Example Sentences

Quiet, matter-of-fact, smiling was Prosecutor Dewey as he rose to sum up the State's case before the blue-ribbon jury.

From Time Magazine Archive

When one New York blue-ribbon jury convicted two criminal defendants, their lawyers appealed to the U.S.

From Time Magazine Archive

The most elite panel, New York State's "blue-ribbon" jury, is used almost exclusively to hear complex civil and criminal cases.

From Time Magazine Archive

This Dewey person's "blue-ribbon" jury: How does a "blue-ribbon" jury fit into the American picture?

From Time Magazine Archive

This week a blue-ribbon jury of noted economists from ten nations,* completing a 14-month study for the United Nations, reached a similar conclusion.

From Time Magazine Archive