Which statement best describes a peremptory challenge in jury selection?

Which statement best describes a peremptory challenge in jury selection?

• A. It requires cause to strike a juror
• B. It allows the judge alone to strike jurors
• C. It allows striking a juror without cause
• D. It applies only to grand juries

Answer: (C)

A peremptory challenge lets an attorney strike a prospective juror without giving a reason. It’s different from a challenge for cause, which requires showing a bias or other disqualifying condition and must be approved by the judge. Peremptory challenges are exercised by the attorneys (not decided by the judge alone) and they apply to trial juries, not grand juries. While the attorney can use them for various concerns about suitability, they cannot be based on unlawful discrimination; rules exist to prevent excluding jurors for protected characteristics. So, the essence is: you may strike a juror without cause, within legal limits.

A peremptory challenge lets an attorney strike a prospective juror without giving a reason. It’s different from a challenge for cause, which requires showing a bias or other disqualifying condition and must be approved by the judge. Peremptory challenges are exercised by the attorneys (not decided by the judge alone) and they apply to trial juries, not grand juries. While the attorney can use them for various concerns about suitability, they cannot be based on unlawful discrimination; rules exist to prevent excluding jurors for protected characteristics. So, the essence is: you may strike a juror without cause, within legal limits.