Paralegal 101 Practice Test

Challenging for cause is the mechanism used when a prospective juror cannot be fair or impartial because of bias, prejudice, or a disqualifying relationship. During voir dire, attorneys ask questions to uncover any such biases. If a juror reveals they cannot set aside preconceived opinions or has a connection that might influence their judgment, the judge can sustain the challenge for cause, excusing that juror from serving. The crucial point is that the bias directly threatens impartiality, and the judge must agree that a reasonable person would doubt the juror’s ability to be fair. By contrast, a peremptory challenge lets an attorney remove a juror without giving a reason, though it must comply with laws prohibiting discrimination. Voir dire is the questioning process used to reveal biases; it isn’t itself the method of excusing a juror. Dismissal with prejudice is a post-trial or procedural outcome not used to select jurors.