Each lawyer may request the dismissal of an unlimited number of jurors for cause. Each request will be considered by the judge and may or may not be allowed. In addition to challenges for cause, each lawyer has a specific number of peremptory challenges . These challenges permit a lawyer to excuse a potential juror without stating a cause. In effect, they allow a lawyer to dismiss a juror because of a belief that the juror will not serve the best interests of the client.
Peremptory challenges are limited to a certain number determined by the kind of lawsuit being tried.
They can't be used to discriminate on the basis of race or sex. When both parties have agreed upon a jury, the jurors are sworn in to try the case by the court clerk. Those not selected are excused. Once impaneled, the jurors' role is to listen to the evidence conscientiously and not draw premature conclusions. They generally do not have the right to ask questions of witnesses, but some judges permit jurors to submit written questions for the judge and lawyers to consider.