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Challenge For Cause
A challenge for cause is a request to remove a potential juror because they cannot be fair and impartial, based on a specific reason like bias or a personal connection to the case.
What it actually is
During jury selection, each side can ask the judge to excuse a juror for a legally recognized reason—such as admitted prejudice, relationship to a party, or prior knowledge of the case. The judge decides whether the reason is valid; if granted, the juror is removed. Unlike a peremptory challenge, there is no limit on how many challenges for cause a side can make.
Why it matters in your case
It protects your right to an impartial jury by weeding out people who cannot decide the case fairly. If a biased juror remains, the verdict could be challenged later, so using this tool carefully helps ensure a fair trial from the start.
The common misunderstanding
Many people think a challenge for cause is the same as a peremptory challenge, but a peremptory challenge needs no reason and is limited in number, while a challenge for cause requires a specific, valid reason and has no set limit.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.