Definition

Noun: 1. The presiding member of a jury who speaks on its behalf: A "foreperson" is the juror elected by fellow jurors to lead their discussions, communicate with the judge, and announce the jury's verdict in a court of law. This role applies to both men and women, with "foreperson" being the gender-neutral term.

Usage

The word "foreperson" is used specifically in a legal context to identify the leader of a jury. It is a formal title used within the courtroom and in official legal documents. * The foreperson must sign the verdict form before it is delivered to the court. * After deliberation, the jury elected a foreperson. * The judge asked the foreperson if the jury had reached a unanimous decision.

Advanced Usage

• "To serve as foreperson": To perform the duties of the foreperson.
  • She was honored to serve as foreperson for the high-profile case.
• Addressing the foreperson: In court, the judge and lawyers typically address the jury's leader directly as "Madam Foreperson" or "Mr. Foreperson."

Variants and Related Words

• Foreman (noun): A traditional term for the presiding juror, historically and sometimes still used, but increasingly replaced by the gender-neutral "foreperson." It can also mean a supervisor of workers.
• Forewoman (noun): A less common variant used specifically when the presiding juror is a woman.
• Juror (noun): A member of the jury.
• Presiding juror (noun): A descriptive phrase synonymous with foreperson.

Synonyms

• Jury foreman / Jury forewoman
• Presiding juror
• Head juror
• Spokesperson for the jury

Related Phrases

• To be elected foreperson: Describes the process of being chosen for the role by fellow jurors.
  • On the first day, he was elected foreperson by a majority vote.
• The foreperson's duty: Refers to the specific responsibilities of the role.
  • One of the foreperson's primary duties is to ensure deliberations remain orderly.

Noun

1. the presiding member of the jury and the one who speaks on their behalf