Challenge for cause
Common Legal Terms
A request from a party to a judge that a prospective juror not be allowed to be a member of a jury because of specified causes or reasons. See peremptory challenge.
Criminal Law
A challenge to a proposed juror based on the contention that, as a matter of law, the juror cannot decide the case at hand fairly and impartially. A challenge for cause must be based on specific grounds. If granted, it has the effect of excusing the prospective juror from service on the jury.