petty jury

American  

noun

1. (in a civil or criminal proceeding) a jury, usually of 12 persons, impaneled to determine the facts and render a verdict pursuant to the court's instructions on the law.

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petty jury British  

noun

1. a variant spelling of petit jury

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Other Word Forms

• petty juror noun

Etymology

Origin of petty jury

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

But on 26 January, 1219, King Henry III issued an edict - the trial by petty jury was born in England.

From BBC

It was a charge of O'Grady's, that Harry told me,—a charge to one of those petty juries that, he says, never will go right, do what you may.

From Project Gutenberg

A petition was signed by many of the grand jury, as well as the petty jury, in her behalf, and strong hopes were entertained of a reprieve.

From Project Gutenberg

The grand and petty juries of the common law are means of information, and nothing more.

From Project Gutenberg

The east apartment is appropriated to the governor and council, when sitting; at other times for the use of the grand jury, or petty juries in criminal causes.

From Project Gutenberg