blue-ribbon jury

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.

blue-ribbon jury

noun

1. a US name for a special jury

Word History and Origins

Origin of blue-ribbon jury¹

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40

Example Sentences

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

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

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

From Time Magazine Archive

Heckled by parents, the state legislature named a blue-ribbon jury to examine the quality of California's schooling.

From Time Magazine Archive

The hand-picked "blue-ribbon" jury saw its duty and did it.

From Time Magazine Archive