Bill > H1651

This bill aims to address racial disparity in jury selection by amending the existing Chapter 234A of the General Laws. It proposes to remove the provision that allowed for the exclusion of individuals who have been convicted of a felony within the past seven years. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section that establishes a process for objecting to the use of peremptory challenges, which are challenges made by the parties without providing a reason. The court would then evaluate the reasons given for the peremptory challenge and determine whether an objective observer could view race or ethnicity as a factor. The bill also provides a list of presumptively invalid reasons for a peremptory challenge, such as having prior contact with law enforcement or living in a high-crime neighborhood.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H1651