What are two types of challenges an attorney can make during voir dire?
Asked by: scraper | Last update: August 17, 2026Score: 0/5 (0 votes)
During voir dire, attorneys can remove potential jurors using two primary types of challenges:
What do lawyers look for in voir dire?
Good voir dire does more than collect facts. It tests the story that each side plans to tell. Attorneys ask about burdens of proof, timelines, expert testimony, and damages ranges. They listen for words that reveal open minds.
What are the two types of challenges in voir dire?
During voir dire the lawyers may ask the judge to excuse a juror from sitting on the case. This is called "challenging a juror". There are two types of challenges: a challenge for cause and a peremptory challenge.
What are the two types of challenges that lawyers can use during the jury selection process?
If a lawyer wants to have a juror excused, he or she must use a "challenge" to excuse the juror. Challenges can be for cause or peremptory. There are unlimited challenges for cause, as well as 10 peremptory challenges in criminal cases (20 in death penalty or life imprisonment cases) and 6 in civil cases (Cal.
What are two situations where an attorney might use a peremptory challenge?
An attorney might use a peremptory challenge—a limited, non-reason-based removal of a potential juror—to eliminate someone based on a "hunch" or subtle indicators that they might be unsympathetic to the case. Two common situations include removing a juror with suspected, but unproven, bias or eliminating someone whose professional background suggests they will not favor the client.
QEpisode 17 - Trial Process - Jury Selection
What are two situations that might amount to a challenge for cause?
A challenge for cause is a request to disqualify a potential juror during jury selection, usually due to bias, lack of qualifications, or inability to be impartial. Two situations that typically warrant this are:
What's the best excuse to get out of jury duty?
For most state courts, potential jurors can be excused for valid reasons such as suffering severe financial hardship as a result of jury duty or being a medical caregiver, the sole caretaker of a young child or a full-time student.
What is an example of a peremptory challenge?
Batson v.
James Batson was an African American man charged with burglary and receiving stolen goods. The prosecution removed all of the other African Americans from the jury pool through peremptory challenges; thus, he was convicted by an all-white jury.
What are challenges for cause during jury selection quizlet?
During jury selection, challenges for cause are used by attorneys when they believe a particular juror cannot be fair or impartial. This type of challenge requires the attorney to provide a specific reason explaining why the juror is unfit to serve.
What if a juror falls asleep?
If a juror falls asleep, the judge will typically wake them up, offer a break, or instruct them to pay attention. If the sleeping is severe or disruptive, the judge may replace the juror with an alternative. If the sleeping is not addressed and causes the juror to miss key testimony, it can lead to a mistrial, though this is rare.
What are two types of challenges an attorney can make during voir dire non obstante challenge, peremptory challenges, challenge for cause, challenge for verdict?
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During voir dire, an attorney can challenge a potential juror for cause, due to bias or a particular reason, or use a peremptory challenge, which does not require a justification.
What not to say during voir dire?
DON'T oversell your case in voir dire
If a judge gives you a chance to do a mini opening before you ask the jury any questions, DON'T oversell your case. Mini-openings seem like a great way to win over your jury, but it's a huge mistake: mini-openings can be disastrous when done the wrong way!
What are 12 angry jurors?
Summary. Twelve Angry Jurors contemplates the huge responsibility of 12 ordinary people who must decide the guilt or innocence of a teenager accused of murder. It looks like an open-and-shut case—until one voice casts doubts and challenges a deeper examination of the facts.
What are challenges for cause in voir dire?
Challenges for Cause are used when a lawyer discovers that a prospective juror does not satisfy the statutory requirements for jury service or cannot be fair or impartial.
What is the B word for lawyer?
The "b" word for a lawyer is barrister, which refers to a specific type of lawyer, common in the UK and Commonwealth countries, who specializes in courtroom advocacy and representing clients in higher courts.
What colors do judges like to see?
Judges and juries respond best to conservative, muted, and neutral tones. Navy blue, charcoal gray, and dark gray are the top choices. These colors convey respect, trustworthiness, and seriousness.
What are the two types of challenges that an attorney may use when selecting a jury panel?
Your attorney has two types of challenges available when they determine a juror may not be appropriate: challenges for cause and peremptory challenges.
What is an example of a challenge for cause?
What is an example of a challenge for cause? There are a few reasons a potential jury member might be challenged for cause during jury selection. One example of a legitimate challenge for cause would be to challenge the seating of a juror based upon their family relationship with any party to the case.
What are the different types of jury challenges?
During the jury selection process, each side is allowed to challenge potential jurors from the jury pool. There are two types of jury challenges: a challenge for cause and a peremptory challenge.
What is a peremptory challenge in voir dire?
A peremptory challenge results in the exclusion of a potential juror without the need for any reason or explanation - unless the opposing party presents a prima facie argument that this challenge was used to discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, or sex. See Batson challenge.
What reasons might an attorney use a peremptory challenge?
Attorneys use peremptory challenges to remove prospective jurors they believe will be unfavorable to their case without needing to prove a specific legal bias. This allows lawyers to act on instincts, body language, or life experiences to shape a fairer, more impartial jury.
What is rule 47?
Because "Rule 47" usually refers to a specific legal guideline, its meaning depends on which jurisdiction or court is involved.
Can I say I'm biased to get out of jury duty?
You can get excused for bias during a process called voir dire but that isn't as straightforward as saying “I'm biased” or “I think the defendant looks guilty.” If you think something that simple can get you out of jury duty in front of a judge and lawyers who have seen these tricks for many, many years, you are ...
What is the best excuse for missing court?
Acceptable Reasons for Missing a Court Date
- Medical Emergencies. ...
- Family Emergencies. ...
- Accidents or Transportation Breakdowns. ...
- Lack of Proper Notice. ...
- Incarceration in Another Jurisdiction. ...
- Natural Disasters or Severe Weather. ...
- Military Duty.