Court Reporter Practice Exam

What is the term for a challenge that removes a potential juror for no specific reason?

1. Excusal for cause

2. Peremptory challenge

3. Judicial challenge

4. Cause challenge

The correct answer is: Peremptory challenge

The term for a challenge that removes a potential juror for no specific reason is a peremptory challenge. This legal mechanism allows attorneys to dismiss a juror without needing to provide a justification or rationale. It is often used strategically to shape the jury in a way that the attorney believes will be favorable to their case. Each side in a trial typically has a limited number of peremptory challenges at their disposal, which encourages thoughtful selection of jurors while maintaining the objective of a fair trial. In contrast, other types of challenges, such as an excusal for cause, require the attorney to give a valid reason for wanting a juror removed, often based on biases or conflicts of interest. Judicial challenges and cause challenges are not recognized terms in the same context, which further clarifies the unique position of peremptory challenges within the jury selection process.