Challenge Definition

When selecting a jury, the right of each party to request that a potential juror be excused. There may be a "challenge for cause" on the basis the juror had admitted prejudice or shows some obvious conflict of interest (for example, the juror used to work for the defendant) which the judge must resolve. More common is the ""peremptory challenge,"" which is a request that a juror be excused without stating a reason. Each side is normally allowed a limited number of peremptory challenges.