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Simple English definitions for legal terms
challenge
Read a random definition: character evidence
A quick definition of challenge:
A challenge is when someone questions whether a person is qualified for a task or if something is legal. In a court case, a challenge can also be when a party asks to dismiss a potential juror or an entire jury panel. There are different types of challenges, such as challenge for cause, challenge to the array, and peremptory challenge.
A more thorough explanation:
Challenge has two main meanings in the legal context:
- Any expressed doubt about the qualification of a person for a task or the legality of an action or thing.
- In regards to juries, a request made by a party to dismiss a potential juror or an entire jury panel that has been assembled.
For example, if a person is accused of a crime and their lawyer believes that a potential juror is biased against their client, they may make a challenge for cause to have that juror dismissed. Alternatively, a lawyer may use a peremptory challenge to dismiss a juror without giving a reason.
Another example of a challenge could be a challenge to the legality of a new law that has been passed. A group may challenge the law in court, arguing that it violates the constitution or other laws.
These examples illustrate how a challenge can be used to express doubt or disagreement in a legal context.