Batson challenge

An objection to the validity of a peremptory challenge, on grounds that the other party used it to exclude a potential juror based on race, ethnicity, or sex.  The result of a Batson challenge may be a new trial.

The name comes from Batson v. Kentucky, 476 U.S. 79 (1986) - which held this type of peremptory challenge to be unconstitutional when used by criminal prosecutors.  Another case, Edmonson v. Leesville Concrete, 500 U.S. 614 (1991), permitted private litigants in a civil case to successfully make the same kind of objection.