If enacted, this bill would amend current statutes by reinstating the use of peremptory challenges in civil actions within the superior court. Specifically, it would allow each party to utilize up to four peremptory challenges, with the process requiring parties to alternate in striking jurors until all challenges are either used or waived. The bill also stipulates that if a party waives a peremptory challenge, it 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 includes legislative findings that highlight the importance of peremptory challenges in securing an impartial jury, referencing the Arizona Supreme Court's previous ruling in *State v. Thompson*. It expresses concerns regarding the elimination of peremptory challenges, which has raised issues about potential bias in jury selection and fairness in trials, particularly in complex cases. The legislation aims to restore a limited number of peremptory strikes to uphold the right to a fair trial while maintaining the protections established by *Batson v. Kentucky*.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 21-316