Blue Ribbon Jury Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Blue Ribbon Jury, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Blue Ribbon Jury?

(n) Blue Ribbon Jury is the group of informed and eligible citizens selected to form a jury to investigate on matters connected to moral mischief’s, corruption charges etc against public figures. Blue ribbon jury is not used in criminal cases.

History and Meaning of Blue Ribbon Jury

A Blue Ribbon Jury, also known as a Grand Jury, is a type of jury that investigates and evaluates potential criminal conduct by public figures, government officials, or companies. The term "blue ribbon" refers to the prestigious or elite nature of the jury, as it is typically composed of knowledgeable and respected individuals from various professional industries. The jury is convened to determine whether an indictment or charges should be filed against the accused party based on the evidence presented.

The origins of the Blue Ribbon Jury can be traced back to medieval England, where a group of individuals was selected from the community to investigate and prosecute crimes. This jury system was later adopted by colonial America and became a cornerstone of the U.S. legal system. The role of the Blue Ribbon Jury has evolved over time, and it is now primarily used in cases involving possible corruption or other illegal activities by public figures.

Examples of Blue Ribbon Jury

  • In 2003, a Blue Ribbon Jury was convened to investigate the allegations of steroid use by professional baseball players in the U.S.
  • In 2018, a Blue Ribbon Jury was assembled to investigate the handling of sexual abuse allegations against Larry Nassar, a former USA Gymnastics doctor.
  • In 2020, a Blue Ribbon Jury was requested by St. Louis Circuit Attorney to evaluate the evidence in a high-profile police shooting case to determine if charges should be filed against the officer.

Legal Terms Similar to Blue Ribbon Jury

  • Grand Jury: a legal body that is empowered to conduct official proceedings to determine whether criminal charges should be brought against an individual or group.
  • Special Prosecutor: a lawyer appointed to investigate and potentially prosecute a particular case, typically involving government or political figures.
  • Indictment: a formal accusation that a person has committed a crime, issued by a Grand Jury or a prosecutor.