This bill proposes to amend current statutes by reinstating the use of peremptory challenges in civil actions within the superior court, allowing each party to utilize up to four peremptory challenges. The new provisions specify that parties will alternate in striking jurors until all challenges are either used or waived, and that waiving a challenge does not affect the remaining challenges of other parties. Additionally, the court may grant extra peremptory challenges if multiple parties on the same side have conflicting interests, ensuring that any additional challenges are equally distributed to the opposing side.

The bill also includes legislative findings that emphasize the importance of peremptory challenges in securing an impartial jury, citing concerns raised by the Arizona Supreme Court's previous elimination of these challenges. It aims to address issues related to potential bias in jury selection and uphold the principles established in the case of Batson v. Kentucky, ensuring fairness and due process in civil trials.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 21-316
House Engrossed Version: 21-316