Bill
SB 645
SB 645 restricts peremptory jury challenges in California courts to reduce discriminatory dismissals and increase jury diversity through enhanced judicial oversight.
SB 645 modifies California's rules governing peremptory challenges in jury selection by restricting attorneys' ability to dismiss prospective jurors without stated cause. The bill implements additional safeguards to prevent discriminatory use of these challenges, which have long been criticized as tools for removing jurors based on race, ethnicity, gender, or other protected characteristics.
Peremptory challenges have been documented as a mechanism through which attorneys systematically exclude jurors from particular demographic groups, affecting jury composition and potentially jury outcomes. This reform addresses fairness concerns in the criminal and civil justice systems by increasing judicial oversight of challenge practices and supporting more representative juries.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
