Massachusetts H1903 aims to address racial disparity in jury selection by allowing objections to peremptory challenges based on improper bias.
Massachusetts H1903 amends the General Laws to allow parties to object to peremptory challenges in jury trials on the grounds of improper bias. The court can evaluate the reasons given for the challenge and deny it if race or ethnicity is a factor. The court must consider various circumstances, including the number and types of questions posed to the prospective juror. The court need not find purposeful discrimination to deny the peremptory challenge and should explain its ruling on the record.
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