Opinion ID: 1196295
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Prosecutor's Use of Peremptory Challenges To Eliminate Jurors Reluctant to Impose Death Penalty

Text: (7) Defendant contends he was denied the right to an impartial jury because the prosecutor excused every juror who revealed any kind of scruples during the death qualification voir dire and the court refused his request for additional peremptory challenges necessary to balance the proceedings. [T]here is `no ... constitutional infirmity in permitting peremptory challenges by both sides on the basis of specific juror attitudes on the death penalty.' [Citation.] ( People v. Walker (1988) 47 Cal.3d 605, 624-625 [253 Cal. Rptr. 863, 765 P.2d 70].) We discern no basis for concluding the defense is nevertheless entitled to more than its statutory allotment of peremptory challenges to keep pace with the prosecution in this process.