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peremptory challenge

American

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

noun

Law.

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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 • Apr. 23, 2024

Most often the practice occurs through a legal tactic called a peremptory challenge, which allows an attorney to strike a potential juror without having to state a reason.

From Washington Post • Dec. 18, 2021

How does one detect if a lawyer has a discriminatory motive when using a peremptory challenge?

From Slate • Nov. 16, 2021

The Washington Supreme Court did so in 2018, saying judges don’t have to find purposeful discrimination to deny a peremptory challenge, and that challenges based on “implicit, institutional, and unconscious biases” can be rejected.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 5, 2021

That untimely, peremptory challenge sounded the first knell to the light heart and careless freedom of youth.

From Life of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen — Volume 1 by Tytler, Sarah

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023