no unlimited challenges
In the trial of O.J. Simpson, each side was allowed a limited number of peremptory challenges. Specifically, the prosecution and defense were granted 20 peremptory challenges each during the jury selection process. This means that both sides could dismiss potential jurors without providing a reason, allowing them to shape the jury according to their strategic preferences.
A peremptory challenge allows an attorney to remove a potential juror without providing a reason, while a removal for cause requires showing that a juror is unfit to serve based on a specific reason. Peremptory challenges are limited in number, while removals for cause can be requested without limit for valid reasons.
O.C.G.A. 15-12-122 controls jury selection and peremptory challenges. Generally attorneys receive 3 peremptory challenges for a six person jury (case valued under $25,000.00) and 6 peremptory challenges for a twelve person jury.
The number peremptory challenges that are given to attorneys is based on the type of murder trial it is. If it is a capital case, or the prosecution is seeking the death penalty, a total of twenty peremptory challenges is given. In all other cases associated with causing the death of another, either by murder or manslaughter, the government is allowed six peremptory challenges while the defense is allowed ten.
The two types of challenges in the jury selection process are challenges for cause and peremptory challenges. Challenges for cause are based on specific reasons why a juror may be biased or unable to be impartial. Peremptory challenges allow attorneys to dismiss a certain number of potential jurors without stating a reason.
A third type of challenge is called peremptory. This challenge removes potential jurors without the necessity for providing a reason. These types of challenges are limited to a predetermined set of numbers. In 1986, in Batson vs. Kentucky, the Supreme Court decided that peremptory challenges could not be used to discriminate solely based on race. The rule established was that it must be shown that the defendant is a member of a recognized racial group that has been intentionally excluded from the jury and the need to raise a reasonable suspicion that the opposing side used peremptory challenges in a manner that was discriminatory.
The number of peremptory challenges a lawyer can make during jury selection varies by jurisdiction and the type of case. In federal courts, each side typically has three peremptory challenges in criminal cases and six in civil cases. However, state courts may have different rules, so it's important to check the specific regulations applicable to the jurisdiction in question.
Not enough information is given. The number of challenges can vary state-to-state and also according to varying factors such as the type of case.
768.12 Peremptory challenge; offense not punishable by death or life imprisonment; number.Sec. 12.(1) A person who is put on trial for an offense that is not punishable by death or life imprisonment shall be allowed to challenge peremptorily 5 of the persons drawn to serve as jurors. In a case involving 2 or more defendants who are being jointly tried for an offense that is not punishable by death or life imprisonment, each of the defendants shall be allowed to challenge peremptorily 5 persons returned as jurors. The prosecuting officers on behalf of the people shall be allowed to challenge 5 jurors peremptorily if a defendant is being tried alone or, if defendants are tried jointly, shall be allowed the total number of peremptory challenges to which all the defendants are entitled.(2) On motion and a showing of good cause, the court may grant 1 or more of the parties an increased number of peremptory challenges. The number of additional peremptory challenges the court grants may cause the various parties to have unequal numbers of peremptory challenges.
This is a "peremptory challenge." Court rules usually give each attorney a limited number of peremptory challenges. The other type of challenge is a challenge for cause, meaning there is some good cause for dismissing the juror. Cause can mean being related to or knowing one of the parties, being opposed to the death penalty in capital cases or anything that will prevent a juror from freely and fairly rendering a just verdict in the case at hand. Court rules give an unlimited number of challenges for cause.
A defense attorney can use a peremptory challenge to remove an individual from a jury without disclosing the reason during the jury selection process. Each side typically has a limited number of peremptory challenges, allowing them to exclude jurors without cause. However, this must be done within the constraints of the law, as peremptory challenges cannot be used to discriminate based on race, gender, or other protected characteristics. If the opposing party suspects discrimination, they can raise a Batson challenge, requiring the attorney to provide a race-neutral explanation for the removal.
When selecting a jury, either party can make an unlimited number of challenges to potential jurors for cause. For example, if a proposed juror was a the brother of the defendant, the juror would be challenged the judge would excuse the juror because it would be unfair to have him on the jury. To challenge a proposed juror for cause, the party has to tell the judge why it would be unfair to seat that juror and the judge may accept or reject the challenge. Each party also has a set number of peremptory challenges, the party excludes the juror without cause and the judge has no say. For example, if the defendant is a school teacher, you might not want another school teacher to be on the jury but you don't have any evidence that it would be unfair. While there are few limits to peremptory challenges, they cannot be used to create a discriminatory jury. For example, if the defendant is Hispanic, you cannot use all of your peremptory challenges to eliminate all the potential Hispanic jurors.