challenge for cause

challenge for cause
challenge for cause see challenge

Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. . 1996.

challenge for cause
n.
An objection to a juror based on a specific reason, which the judge must approve.

The Essential Law Dictionary. — Sphinx Publishing, An imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc. . 2008.


challenge for cause
A party's request that the judge dismiss a potential juror from serving on a jury by providing a valid legal reason why he shouldn't serve. Potential bias is a common reason potential jurors are challenged for cause — for example, the potential juror is a relative of a party or one of the lawyers, or admits to a prejudice against one party's race or religion. Judges can also dismiss a potential juror for cause.
Category: Small Claims Court & Lawsuits

Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary. . 2009.


challenge for cause
A request from a party to a judge that a certain prospective juror not be allowed to be a member of a jury because of specified causes or reasons. (Also, see peremptory challenge.)

Short Dictionary of (mostly American) Legal Terms and Abbreviations.

challenge for cause
n.
   a request that a prospective juror be dismissed because there is a specific and forceful reason to believe the person cannot be fair, unbiased or capable of serving as a juror. Causes include acquaintanceship with either of the parties, one of the attorneys or a witness, the potential juror's expression during voir dire (questioning of the prospective jurors) of inability to be unbiased due to prior experience in a similar case (having been convicted of drunk driving, being a battered wife, etc.), any obvious prejudice, or inability to serve (such as being mentally disturbed). The judge determines if the person shall be dismissed. Challenges and dismissal for cause differ from peremptory challenges, which each side may use to dismiss potential jurors without stating any reason.

Law dictionary. . 2013.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • challenge for cause — An objection to a juror, made on voir dire for cause stated, that is, pointing out the ground upon which the juror is disqualified. See challenge for principal cause; challenge to the favor …   Ballentine's law dictionary

  • challenge for cause — noun Law a challenge (def. 4c) made where it can be shown that the juror would show bias in determining guilt or innocence. Compare peremptory challenge …  

  • challenge for cause — ➡ juries * * * …   Universalium

  • for cause — For legal cause, e.g. the challenge of a juror on voir dire for want of the qualifications prescribed by law, 31 Am J Rev ed Jur § 147, or the removal of a public officer upon a ground of removal provided by constitution or statute. State ex rel …   Ballentine's law dictionary

  • pass for cause — To let a juror go unchallenged for cause, leaving open the opportunity for peremptory challenge …   Ballentine's law dictionary

  • challenge — chal·lenge 1 vt chal·lenged, chal·leng·ing 1: to dispute esp. as being invalid or unjust counsel challenged this interpretation 2: to question formally (as by a suit or motion) the legality or legal qualifications of challenge the regulations;… …   Law dictionary

  • cause — 1 n 1: something that brings about an effect or result the negligent act which was the cause of the plaintiff s injury ◇ The cause of an injury must be proven in both tort and criminal cases. actual cause: cause in fact in this entry but–for… …   Law dictionary

  • challenge — To object or except to; to prefer objections to a person, right, or instrument; to question formerly the legality or legal qualifications of; to invite into competition; to formally call into question the capability of a person for a particular… …   Black's law dictionary

  • challenge — To object or except to; to prefer objections to a person, right, or instrument; to question formerly the legality or legal qualifications of; to invite into competition; to formally call into question the capability of a person for a particular… …   Black's law dictionary

  • Challenge to juror — An objection to a juror made on voir dire. See challenge for cause; peremptory challenge …   Ballentine's law dictionary

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