Law Dictionary
Legal Definition of Batson challenge
: an objection in which one party argues that the other has used the peremptory challenge to strike one or more prospective jurors from the panel for a discriminatory purpose in violation of the equal protection guarantee of the U.S. Constitution —called also Batson objection — compare third-party standing
From the M-W Editors
Additional Notes on batson challenge
Batson challenges were originally applied to racial discrimination in jury selection but are now also applied when gender or sometimes ethnic background is an issue. The party making the objection usually must establish by evidence a prima facie case of discrimination. The other party must then prove a neutral reason for the strike.
Origin and Etymology of batson challenge
from Batson v. Kentucky, 476 U.S. 79 (1986), the Supreme Court ruling that prohibited the striking of jurors on a racial basis
Learn More about batson challenge
-
Dictionary: Definition of Batson challenge
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up Batson challenge? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!