BATSON Meaning and
Definition
-
Batson is a legal term used in the United States to refer to the Batson challenge, a procedural mechanism that permits the elimination of potential jurors based on discrimination concerns during jury selection. The term stems from the Supreme Court case Batson v. Kentucky (1986), where it was ruled unconstitutional for attorneys to use peremptory challenges to exclude potential jurors solely based on their race. In essence, Batson challenges are typically raised by attorneys when they believe that the opposing counsel is using their peremptory strikes in a racially discriminatory manner.
When a Batson challenge is invoked, the attorney must provide a race-neutral reason for striking the potential juror, demonstrating that race was not a factor in their decision. If the judge deems the explanation as racially biased or insufficient, the strike may be disallowed, and the jury selection process may be adjusted accordingly. The purpose of the Batson challenge is to promote equal protection under the law, preventing the exclusion of jurors based on their race, which undermines the principle of an impartial and diverse jury.
Overall, the concept of Batson and the subsequent challenge it established are crucial in upholding fairness and addressing racial discrimination during jury selection in the American legal system.
Common Misspellings for BATSON
Similar spelling words for BATSON
