Batson v. Kentucky
A plain-English summary from Criminal Defense Resources™, a free resource for pro per/pro se defendants and their families.
General educational information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. This page describes what a court decided in general terms. It does not tell you what to do in any case.
- Court
- U.S. Supreme Court
- Decided
- Citation
- 476 U.S. 79 (1986)
What did the court decide?
The Court held that the Equal Protection Clause bars a prosecutor from using peremptory strikes to remove potential jurors because of their race. A defendant can make a prima facie case from the facts of the defendant's own trial. Then the prosecutor must give a race-neutral explanation for the strikes.
Why does it matter?
This is the basis for a "Batson challenge" during jury selection, in state and federal courts nationwide.
Where can I read the full opinion?
Read the full opinion on Cornell Law School LII →
Always read the full opinion and check whether later cases have limited or changed it. A summary can leave out important details.
General educational information, not legal advice. Not a law firm.