What is a peremptory challenge?

A peremptory challenge allows a party in a legal case to dismiss a juror without needing to provide any reason. This type of dismissal is significant because it enables attorneys to influence the makeup of the jury by removing potential jurors whom they believe may not be favorable to their case. The flexibility of this challenge is a vital component of the jury selection process, as it permits counsel to create a jury that they believe will be most sympathetic to their arguments.

The process is limited in that there are only a certain number of peremptory challenges allowed per party, depending on the jurisdiction and the type of case. The absence of a requirement to articulate a justification for the dismissal underscores the strategic nature of peremptory challenges in the broader context of trial litigation.