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Challenge for cause

A challenge that aims to disqualify a potential juror for some stated reason.  Typical reasons include bias, prejudice, or prior knowledge that would prevent impartial evaluation of the evidence presented in court.

Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary

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.

Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.

August 19, 2010, 5:12 pm