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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
Using what are known as peremptory challenges, lawyers can strike a certain number of prospective jurors without necessarily having to provide a reason.
—Tim Arango, New York Times, 13 May 2024
This time around, each side will have less opportunity to dismiss potential jurors because both used six of their 10 peremptory challenges earlier this week.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 18 Apr. 2024
The attorneys will also select up to six alternate jurors, and the two sides will receive five more peremptory challenges during that process.
—Graham Kates, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2024
For a criminal trial involving class E felonies, which are what Trump is being charged with, 10 peremptory challenges per side fits the state guidelines.
—Kyler Alvord, Peoplemag, 17 Apr. 2024
The father's defense team won three additional peremptory challenges of jurors, giving each side eight strikes to dismiss prospective jurors without giving a reason.
—Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 5 Mar. 2024
Crumbley’s attorney used a peremptory challenge to remove him from the panel.
—Lauren Del Valle, CNN, 10 Mar. 2024
All could be excused as both sides have eight peremptory challenges to dismiss any prospective juror for any reason.
—Gina Kaufman, Detroit Free Press, 5 Mar. 2024
In a favorable ruling for the defense, however, Matthews granted a request by Crumbley's lawyer to add peremptory challenges during jury selection.
—Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 21 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'peremptory challenge.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1530, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of peremptory challenge was
in 1530
Dictionary Entries Near peremptory challenge
Cite this Entry
“Peremptory challenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peremptory%20challenge. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
Legal Definition
peremptory challenge
see challenge
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