petit jury

Petit Jury

The ordinary panel of twelve persons called to issue a verdict in a civil action or a criminal prosecution.

Petit jury is used interchangeably with petty jury.

petit jury

n. old-fashioned name for the jury sitting to hear a lawsuit or criminal prosecution, called "petit" (small) to distinguish it from a "grand" jury, which has other duties. (See: jury, grand jury)

petit jury

a jury of 12 persons empanelled to determine the facts of a case and decide the issue pursuant to the direction of the court on points of law. See also GRAND JURY.