peremptory challenge

noun

: a challenge (as of a juror) made as of right without assigning any cause

Examples of peremptory challenge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The law allows attorneys to make one peremptory challenge against a judge, generally without requiring them to give a reason why. Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025 This number would mean that, even after both sides exercise their peremptory challenges, there would be enough people remaining to form a jury. Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 7 May 2025 The Innocence Project pointed out that the prosecutor had removed six Black potential jurors from the pool using peremptory challenges. Melissa Noel, Essence, 25 Sep. 2024 The Innocence Project claims the prosecutor had removed six qualified Black prospective jurors from the pool using peremptory challenges. Nicole Acosta, Peoplemag, 24 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for peremptory challenge

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of peremptory challenge was in 1530

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Cite this Entry

“Peremptory challenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peremptory%20challenge. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

peremptory challenge

see challenge

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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