peremptory challenge

American  

[puh-remp-tuh-ree chal-inj] / pəˈrɛmp tə ri ˈtʃæl ɪndʒ /

noun

Law.

1. a formal objection to the service of a juror by a party to a criminal prosecution or a civil action that requires no showing of cause.

---

Etymology

Origin of peremptory challenge

First recorded in 1520–30

Example Sentences

If one side likes a potential juror, then 9 times out of 10 the other side will exercise a peremptory challenge to make sure that this person does not make it onto the jury.

From Salon

The parties each get 10 “peremptory challenges” – the right to dismiss potential jurors just because lawyers’ experience and antennae tell them that the person might be leaning against their side.

From Salon

The lawyers also can use “peremptory challenges” to nix 10 potential jurors and two prospective alternates without giving a reason.

From Seattle Times

He denied a defense’s request to strike the man for cause, and the defense elected not use one of its limited number of peremptory challenges.

From Seattle Times

Mr. Thomas’s lawyers did not use peremptory challenges to strike the jurors, and they did not ask the judge to remove them for cause.

From New York Times