Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Jury"

To sign *jury*, you combine the signs for *judge* and *audience*. First, hold both hands in 'F' handshapes (index fingers and thumbs touching, other fingers extended) in front of your chest, and move them up and down alternately like the scales of justice. Next, open both hands into '5' handshapes with your palms facing forward, and move them slightly outward to represent a group of people. You can repeat this sequence to clearly convey the concept of a jury.

Examples Using "Jury" in a Sentence

1

The jury reached a verdict.

To express this, sign 'jury' using the 'judge' and 'audience' compound, followed by the sign for 'decide' to show that they have made their final choice.

2

I was called for jury duty.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'summon' or 'call' moving toward yourself, and then sign 'jury'. You can also add the sign for 'work' or 'duty' at the end of the sentence.

3

The jury listened to the witness.

Start with the sign for 'jury', then sign 'listen' by tapping your ear and moving your hands forward to show the group paying attention to someone testifying.

How to Sign "Jury"
To sign *jury*, you combine the signs for *judge* and *audience*. First, hold both hands in 'F' handshapes (index fingers and thumbs touching, other fingers extended) in front of your chest, and move them up and down alternately like the scales of justice. Next, open both hands into '5' handshapes with your palms facing forward, and move them slightly outward to represent a group of people. You can repeat this sequence to clearly convey the concept of a jury.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for *jury* is a compound that visually explains the role of the people involved. The first part uses the sign for *judge* or *court*, where the alternating 'F' handshapes represent the weighing of evidence on the scales of justice. The second part uses the sign for an *audience* or a seated group, shown by the open '5' hands facing forward. Together, they literally translate to 'a group of people who judge.'
Signing Tips
When signing *jury*, make sure there is a clear, fluid transition between the two parts of the compound sign. The alternating 'F' handshapes for *judge* should be distinct before you open your hands into the '5' handshapes for *audience*. Keep your facial expression neutral and focused, as if you are observing a serious courtroom setting. Repeating the sequence once helps ensure the viewer catches both halves of the concept.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is blending the handshapes too early, which can make the sign look messy. Make sure you fully form the 'F' handshapes before transitioning to the open '5' handshapes. Another frequent error is moving the '5' hands in a wide horizontal circle like the sign for *family* or *group*; for *jury*, the '5' hands should simply face forward and move slightly outward, representing people sitting in a jury box.
Regional Variations
Some signers use an initialized version of this sign, forming 'J' handshapes with both hands and moving them in a horizontal circle, similar to the sign for *family* or *class*. However, the compound sign shown here is widely understood and highly descriptive.
Examples Using "Jury" in a Sentence
1

The jury reached a verdict.

To express this, sign 'jury' using the 'judge' and 'audience' compound, followed by the sign for 'decide' to show that they have made their final choice.

2

I was called for jury duty.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'summon' or 'call' moving toward yourself, and then sign 'jury'. You can also add the sign for 'work' or 'duty' at the end of the sentence.

3

The jury listened to the witness.

Start with the sign for 'jury', then sign 'listen' by tapping your ear and moving your hands forward to show the group paying attention to someone testifying.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to repeat the sign sequence?

Repeating the 'judge' and 'audience' sequence is common for clarity, especially when introducing the topic. However, in fast-paced conversation, signing the compound just once is perfectly acceptable.

Is there a difference between the signs for 'jury' and 'judge'?

Yes! While *jury* includes the sign for *judge* (the alternating 'F' hands), it adds the second part (the open '5' hands facing forward) to specify that it is a group of people making the decision, rather than a single judge.

Can I just fingerspell J-U-R-Y?

Fingerspelling J-U-R-Y is completely fine and very common in legal contexts, especially if you want to be precise. However, learning the conceptual sign helps build your ASL vocabulary and visual storytelling skills.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!