batson kentucky argued december decided april criminal trial kentucky state petitioner black man judge conducted voir dire examination jury venire excused certain jurors cause prosecutor used peremptory challenges strike four black persons venire jury composed white persons selected defense counsel moved discharge jury ground prosecutor removal black veniremen violated petitioner rights sixth fourteenth amendments jury drawn cross section community fourteenth amendment equal protection laws without expressly ruling petitioner request hearing trial judge denied motion jury ultimately convicted petitioner affirming conviction kentucky observed recently another case relied swain alabama held defendant alleging lack fair cross section must demonstrate systematic exclusion group jurors venire held principle announced strauder west virginia state denies black defendant equal protection puts trial jury members race purposefully excluded reaffirmed pp defendant right petit jury composed whole part persons race strauder west virginia however equal protection clause guarantees defendant state exclude members race jury venire account race false assumption members race group qualified serve jurors denying person participation jury service account race state also unconstitutionally discriminates excluded juror moreover selection procedures purposefully exclude black persons juries undermine public confidence fairness system justice pp equal protection principles applied determine whether discrimination selecting venire also govern state use peremptory challenges strike individual jurors petit jury although prosecutor ordinarily entitled exercise peremptory challenges reason long reason related view concerning outcome case tried equal protection clause forbids prosecutor challenge potential jurors solely account race assumption black jurors group unable impartially consider state case black defendant pp portion swain alabama supra concerning evidentiary burden placed defendant claims denied equal protection state discriminatory use peremptory challenges rejected swain held black defendant make prima facie case purposeful discrimination proof peremptory challenge system whole perverted evidence offered defendant swain meet standard demonstrate circumstances prosecutors jurisdiction responsible striking black jurors beyond facts defendant case evidentiary formulation inconsistent equal protection standards subsequently developed decisions relating selection jury venire defendant may make prima facie showing purposeful racial discrimination selection venire relying solely facts concerning selection case pp defendant may establish prima facie case purposeful discrimination solely evidence concerning prosecutor exercise peremptory challenges defendant trial defendant first must show member cognizable racial group prosecutor exercised peremptory challenges remove venire members defendant race defendant may also rely fact peremptory challenges constitute jury selection practice permits discriminate mind discriminate finally defendant must show facts relevant circumstances raise inference prosecutor used peremptory challenges exclude veniremen petit jury account race defendant makes prima facie showing burden shifts state come forward neutral explanation challenging black jurors prosecutor may rebut prima facie showing stating challenged jurors assumption partial defendant shared race affirming good faith individual selections pp peremptory challenge occupies important position trial procedures principles undermine contribution challenge generally makes administration justice application principles create serious administrative difficulties pp trial flatly rejected petitioner objection prosecutor removal black persons venire without requiring prosecutor explain action case remanded proceedings powell delivered opinion brennan white marshall blackmun stevens joined white post marshall post filed concurring opinions stevens filed concurring opinion brennan joined post filed concurring opinion post burger filed dissenting opinion rehnquist joined post rehnquist filed dissenting opinion burger joined post david niehaus argued cause petitioner briefs frank heft daniel goyette rickie pearson assistant attorney general kentucky argued cause respondent brief david armstrong attorney general carl miller assistant attorney general deputy solicitor general wallace argued cause amicus curiae urging affirmance brief acting solicitor general fried assistant attorney general trott sidney glazer briefs amici curiae urging reversal filed naacp legal defense educational fund julius levonne chambers charles stephen ralston steven winter anthony amsterdam samuel rabinove lawyers committee civil rights law barry sullivan fred fishman robert kapp norman redlich william robinson norman chachkin michael mccray et al steven shapiro robert weiss donald kuebler robert miller jack yelverton filed brief national district attorneys association amicus curiae urging affirmance briefs amici curiae filed national legal aid defender association patricia unsinn elizabeth holtzman elizabeth holtzman pro se barbara underwood justice powell delivered opinion case requires us reexamine portion swain alabama concerning evidentiary burden placed criminal defendant claims denied equal protection state use peremptory challenges exclude members race petit jury petitioner black man indicted kentucky charges burglary receipt stolen goods first day trial jefferson circuit judge conducted voir dire examination venire excused certain jurors cause permitted parties exercise peremptory challenges prosecutor used peremptory challenges strike four black persons venire jury composed white persons selected defense counsel moved discharge jury sworn ground prosecutor removal black veniremen violated petitioner rights sixth fourteenth amendments jury drawn cross section community fourteenth amendment equal protection laws counsel requested hearing motion without expressly ruling request hearing trial judge observed parties entitled use peremptory challenges strike anybody want judge denied petitioner motion reasoning requirement applies selection venire selection petit jury jury convicted petitioner counts appeal kentucky petitioner pressed among claims argument concerning prosecutor use peremptory challenges conceding swain alabama supra apparently foreclosed equal protection claim based solely prosecutor conduct case petitioner urged follow decisions people wheeler cal commonwealth soares mass cert denied hold conduct violated rights sixth amendment kentucky constitution jury drawn cross section community petitioner also contended facts showed prosecutor engaged pattern discriminatory challenges case established equal protection violation swain kentucky affirmed single paragraph declined petitioner invitation adopt reasoning people wheeler supra commonwealth soares supra observed recently reaffirmed reliance swain held defendant alleging lack fair cross section must demonstrate systematic exclusion group jurors venire see commonwealth mcferron granted certiorari reverse ii swain alabama recognized state purposeful deliberate denial negroes account race participation jurors administration justice violates equal protection clause principle consistently repeatedly reaffirmed numerous decisions preceding following swain reaffirm principle today century ago decided state denies black defendant equal protection laws puts trial jury members race purposefully excluded strauder west virginia decision laid foundation unceasing efforts eradicate racial discrimination procedures used select venire individual jurors drawn strauder explained central concern recently ratified fourteenth amendment put end governmental discrimination account race exclusion black citizens service jurors constitutes primary example evil fourteenth amendment designed cure holding racial discrimination jury selection offends equal protection clause strauder recognized however defendant right petit jury composed whole part persons race number races nationalities stands way evolution conception demand equal protection akins texas defendant right tried jury whose members selected pursuant nondiscriminatory criteria martin texas ex parte virginia equal protection clause guarantees defendant state exclude members race jury venire account race strauder supra false assumption members race group qualified serve jurors see norris alabama neal delaware purposeful racial discrimination selection venire violates defendant right equal protection denies protection trial jury intended secure idea jury body composed peers equals person whose rights selected summoned determine neighbors fellows associates persons legal status society holds strauder supra see carter jury greene county petit jury occupied central position system justice safeguarding person accused crime arbitrary exercise power prosecutor judge duncan louisiana venire must indifferently chosen secure defendant right fourteenth amendment protection life liberty race color prejudice strauder supra racial discrimination selection jurors harms accused whose life liberty summoned try competence serve juror ultimately depends assessment individual qualifications ability impartially consider evidence presented trial see thiel southern pacific person race simply unrelated fitness juror frankfurter dissenting long ago strauder therefore recognized denying person participation jury service account race state unconstitutionally discriminated excluded juror see carter jury greene county supra neal delaware supra harm discriminatory jury selection extends beyond inflicted defendant excluded juror touch entire community selection procedures purposefully exclude black persons juries undermine public confidence fairness system justice see ballard mccray new york marshall dissenting denial certiorari discrimination within judicial system pernicious stimulant race prejudice impediment securing black citizens equal justice law aims secure others strauder strauder invalidated state statute provided white men serve jurors confident state law constitution requires however look beyond face statute defining juror qualifications also consider challenged selection practices afford protection action state administrative officers effecting prohibited discrimination norris alabama supra see hernandez texas ex parte virginia supra thus found denial equal protection procedures implementing neutral statute operated exclude persons venire racial grounds made clear constitution prohibits forms purposeful racial discrimination selection jurors decisions concerned largely discrimination selection venire principles announced also forbid discrimination account race selection petit jury since fourteenth amendment protects accused throughout proceedings bringing justice hill texas state may draw jury lists pursuant neutral procedures resort discrimination stages selection process avery georgia see mccray new york supra marshall dissenting denial certiorari see also alexander louisiana accordingly component jury selection process issue state privilege strike individual jurors peremptory challenges subject commands equal protection clause although prosecutor ordinarily entitled exercise permitted peremptory challenges reason long reason related view concerning outcome case tried robinson supp mandamus granted sub nom newman equal protection clause forbids prosecutor challenge potential jurors solely account race assumption black jurors group unable impartially consider state case black defendant iii principles announced strauder never questioned subsequent decision rather called upon repeatedly review application principles particular facts recurring question cases case alleging violation equal protection clause whether defendant met burden proving purposeful discrimination part state whitus georgia hernandez texas supra akins texas martin texas question also heart portion swain alabama reexamine today swain required decide among issues whether black defendant denied equal protection state exercise peremptory challenges exclude members race petit jury record swain showed prosecutor used state peremptory challenges strike six black persons included petit jury venire rejecting defendant claim failure prove purposeful discrimination nonetheless indicated equal protection clause placed limits state exercise peremptory challenges sought accommodate prosecutor historical privilege peremptory challenge free judicial control constitutional prohibition exclusion persons jury service account race constitution confer right peremptory challenges citing stilson challenges traditionally viewed one means assuring selection qualified unbiased jury preserve peremptory nature prosecutor challenge swain declined scrutinize actions particular case relying presumption properly exercised state challenges went observe however state may exercise challenges contravention equal protection clause impermissible prosecutor use challenges exclude blacks jury reasons wholly unrelated outcome particular case trial deny blacks right opportunity participate administration justice enjoyed white population accordingly black defendant make prima facie case purposeful discrimination proof peremptory challenge system perverted manner ibid example inference purposeful discrimination raised evidence prosecutor case case whatever circumstances whatever crime whoever defendant victim may responsible removal negroes selected qualified jurors jury commissioners survived challenges cause result negroes ever serve petit juries evidence offered defendant swain meet standard defendant showed prosecutors jurisdiction exercised strikes exclude blacks jury offered proof circumstances prosecutors responsible striking black jurors beyond facts case number lower courts following teaching swain reasoned proof repeated striking blacks number cases necessary establish violation equal protection clause since interpretation swain placed defendants crippling burden proof prosecutors peremptory challenges largely immune constitutional scrutiny reasons follow reject evidentiary formulation inconsistent standards developed since swain assessing prima facie case equal protection clause since decision swain explained cases concerning selection venire reflect general equal protection principle invidious quality governmental action claimed racially discriminatory must ultimately traced racially discriminatory purpose washington davis equal protection case burden course defendant alleges discriminatory selection venire prove existence purposeful discrimination whitus georgia citing tarrance florida deciding defendant carried burden persuasion must undertake sensitive inquiry circumstantial direct evidence intent may available arlington heights metropolitan housing development circumstantial evidence invidious intent may include proof disproportionate impact washington davis observed circumstances proof discriminatory impact may practical purposes demonstrate unconstitutionality various circumstances discrimination difficult explain grounds ibid example total seriously disproportionate exclusion negroes jury venires unequal application law show intentional discrimination quoting akins texas moreover since swain recognized black defendant alleging members race impermissibly excluded venire may make prima facie case purposeful discrimination showing totality relevant facts gives rise inference discriminatory purpose washington davis supra defendant makes requisite showing burden shifts state explain adequately racial exclusion alexander louisiana state meet burden mere general assertions officials discriminate properly performed official duties see alexander louisiana supra jones georgia rather state must demonstrate permissible racially neutral selection criteria procedures produced monochromatic result alexander louisiana supra see washington davis supra showing necessary establish prima facie case purposeful discrimination selection venire may discerned decisions castaneda partida alexander louisiana supra defendant initially must show member racial group capable singled differential treatment castaneda partida supra combination evidence defendant may make prima facie case proving particular jurisdiction members race summoned jury service extended period time proof systematic exclusion venire raises inference purposeful discrimination result bespeaks discrimination hernandez texas see arlington heights metropolitan housing development supra since ultimate issue whether state discriminated selecting defendant venire however defendant may establish prima facie case ways evidence unexplained absence members race many panels cassell texas plurality opinion cases involving venire found prima facie case proof members defendant race substantially underrepresented venire jury drawn venire selected practice providing opportunity discrimination whitus georgia supra see castaneda partida supra washington davis supra alexander louisiana supra combination factors raises necessary inference purposeful discrimination declined attribute chance absence black citizens particular jury array selection mechanism subject abuse circumstances suggest need trial must undertake factual inquiry takes account possible explanatory factors particular case alexander louisiana supra thus since decision swain recognized defendant may make prima facie showing purposeful racial discrimination selection venire relying solely facts concerning selection case decisions accordance proposition articulated arlington heights metropolitan housing development consistent pattern official racial discrimination necessary predicate violation equal protection clause single invidiously discriminatory governmental act immunized absence discrimination making comparable decisions evidentiary requirements dictate several must suffer discrimination one object mccray new york marshall dissenting denial certiorari inconsistent promise equal protection standards assessing prima facie case context discriminatory selection venire fully articulated since swain see castaneda partida supra washington davis alexander louisiana supra principles support conclusion defendant may establish prima facie case purposeful discrimination selection petit jury solely evidence concerning prosecutor exercise peremptory challenges defendant trial establish case defendant first must show member cognizable racial group castaneda partida supra prosecutor exercised peremptory challenges remove venire members defendant race second defendant entitled rely fact dispute peremptory challenges constitute jury selection practice permits discriminate mind discriminate avery georgia finally defendant must show facts relevant circumstances raise inference prosecutor used practice exclude veniremen petit jury account race combination factors empaneling petit jury selection venire raises necessary inference purposeful discrimination deciding whether defendant made requisite showing trial consider relevant circumstances example pattern strikes black jurors included particular venire might give rise inference discrimination similarly prosecutor questions statements voir dire examination exercising challenges may support refute inference discriminatory purpose examples merely illustrative confidence trial judges experienced supervising voir dire able decide circumstances concerning prosecutor use peremptory challenges creates prima facie case discrimination black jurors defendant makes prima facie showing burden shifts state come forward neutral explanation challenging black jurors though requirement imposes limitation cases full peremptory character historic challenge emphasize prosecutor explanation need rise level justifying exercise challenge cause see mccray abrams booker jabe cert pending prosecutor may rebut defendant prima facie case discrimination stating merely challenged jurors defendant race assumption intuitive judgment partial defendant shared race cf norris alabama see thompson brennan dissenting denial certiorari equal protection clause forbids exclude black persons venire assumption blacks group unqualified serve jurors supra forbids strike black veniremen assumption biased particular case simply defendant black core guarantee equal protection ensuring citizens state discriminate account race meaningless approve exclusion jurors basis assumptions arise solely jurors race may prosecutor rebut defendant case merely denying discriminatory motive affirm ing good faith making individual selections alexander louisiana general assertions accepted rebutting defendant prima facie case equal protection clause vain illusory requirement norris alabama supra prosecutor therefore must articulate neutral explanation related particular case tried trial duty determine defendant established purposeful discrimination iv state contends holding eviscerate fair trial values served peremptory challenge conceding constitution guarantee right peremptory challenges swain state use ultimately subject strictures equal protection state argues privilege unfettered exercise challenge vital importance criminal justice system recognize course peremptory challenge occupies important position trial procedures agree decision today undermine contribution challenge generally makes administration justice reality practice amply reflected many opinions shows challenge may unfortunately times used discriminate black jurors requiring trial courts sensitive racially discriminatory use peremptory challenges decision enforces mandate equal protection furthers ends justice view heterogeneous population nation public respect criminal justice system rule law strengthened ensure citizen disqualified jury service race persuaded state suggestion holding create serious administrative difficulties applying version evidentiary standard recognize today courts experienced serious administrative burdens peremptory challenge system survived decline however formulate particular procedures followed upon defendant timely objection prosecutor challenges case petitioner made timely objection prosecutor removal black persons venire trial flatly rejected objection without requiring prosecutor give explanation action remand case proceedings trial decides facts establish prima facie purposeful discrimination prosecutor come forward neutral explanation action precedents require petitioner conviction reversed whitus georgia hernandez texas patton mississippi ordered footnotes kentucky rules criminal procedure authorize trial permit counsel conduct voir dire examination conduct examination rule crim proc jurors excused cause parties exercise peremptory challenges simultaneously striking names list qualified jurors equal number seated plus number allowable peremptory challenges rule since offense charged case felony alternate juror called prosecutor entitled six peremptory challenges defense counsel nine rule see strauder west virginia neal delaware norris alabama hollins oklahoma per curiam pierre louisiana patton mississippi avery georgia hernandez texas whitus georgia jones georgia per curiam carter jury greene county castaneda partida rose mitchell vasquez hillery basic principles prohibiting exclusion persons participation jury service account race essentially grand juries petit juries alexander louisiana see norris alabama supra principles reinforced criminal laws petitioner argued prosecutor conduct violated rights sixth fourteenth amendments impartial jury jury drawn cross section community petitioner framed argument terms apparent effort avoid inviting directly reconsider one precedents hand state insisted petitioner claiming denial equal protection must reconsider swain find constitutional violation record agree state resolution petitioner claim properly turns application equal protection principles express view merits petitioner sixth amendment arguments see hernandez texas supra cassell texas plurality opinion akins texas martin texas neal delaware supra similarly though sixth amendment guarantees petit jury selected pool names representing cross section community taylor louisiana never held sixth amendment requires petit juries actually chosen must mirror community reflect various distinctive groups population indeed impossible apply concept proportional representation petit jury view heterogeneous nature society impossibility illustrated holding jury six persons unconstitutional williams florida see hernandez texas supra cassell texas supra akins texas supra neal delaware supra see taylor louisiana supra williams florida supra see also powell jury trial crimes lee rev duncan louisiana decided swain concluded right trial jury criminal cases fundamental feature american system justice protected state action due process clause fourteenth amendment emphasized defendant right tried jury peers designed prevent oppression government jury perform intended function check official power must body drawn community glasser compromising representative quality jury discriminatory selection procedures make juries ready weapons officials oppress accused individuals chance numbered among unpopular inarticulate minorities akins texas supra murphy dissenting blackstone commentaries cooley ed quoted duncan louisiana sims georgia per curiam whitus georgia avery georgia see norris alabama martin texas neal delaware express views whether constitution imposes limit exercise peremptory challenges defense counsel express views techniques used lawyers seek obtain information community case tried members venire jury likely drawn see generally van dyke jury selection procedures uncertain commitment representative panels prior voir dire examination serves basis exercise challenges lawyers wish know much possible prospective jurors including age education employment economic status ensure selection jurors least open mind case jurisdictions pool jurors serves substantial period time see counsel also may seek learn members pool served juries cases outcome cases counsel even may employ professional investigators interview persons served particular petit jury occasion consider particularly practice course counsel effort obtain possibly relevant information prospective jurors distinguished practice issue see vasquez hillery rose mitchell castaneda partida alexander louisiana whitus georgia supra swain alabama coleman alabama norris alabama supra neal delaware supra decision swain subject extensive commentary authors argued reconsider decision van dyke supra imlay federal jury reformation saving democratic institution loyola la rev kuhn jury discrimination next phase cal rev note rethinking limitations peremptory challenge colum rev note peremptory challenge systematic exclusion prospective jurors basis race miss comment swain alabama constitutional blueprint perpetuation jury rev see also johnson black innocence white jury rev hand commentators argued adhere swain see saltzburg powers peremptory challenges clash impartiality group representation md rev swain reviewed old credentials peremptory challenge system noted long widely held belief peremptory challenge necessary part trial jury see jenkins boykin pearson thigpen state app jackson state ark johnson state md app state johnson super per curiam state shaw see mccray abrams lower courts noted practical difficulties proving state systematically exercised peremptory challenges exclude blacks jury account race appeals fifth circuit observed defendant investigate number cases race persons tried particular jurisdiction racial composition venire petit jury manner parties exercised peremptory challenges pearson believed burden difficult meet ibid jurisdictions records reflect jurors race voir dire proceedings transcribed burden insurmountable see people wheeler cal decisions concerning disparate treatment title vii civil rights act explained operation prima facie burden proof rules see mcdonnell douglas green texas dept community affairs burdine postal service board governors aikens party alleging victim intentional discrimination carries ultimate burden persuasion texas dept community affairs burdine supra decisions title vii also recognize person claiming victim intentional discrimination may make prima facie case relying solely facts concerning alleged discrimination see cases supra appeals second circuit observed mccray abrams number bases prosecutor reasonably may believe desirable strike juror excusable cause explained another context however prosecutor must give clear reasonably specific explanation legitimate reasons exercising challenges texas dept community affairs burdime recent title vii sex discrimination case stated finding intentional discrimination finding fact entitled appropriate deference reviewing anderson bessemer city since trial judge findings context consideration largely turn evaluation credibility reviewing ordinarily give findings great deference respect views expressed justice marshall concurring opinion concerning prosecutorial judicial enforcement holding today share standard adopt federal constitution designed ensure state use peremptory challenges strike black juror race reason believe prosecutors fulfill duty exercise challenges legitimate purposes certainly may assume trial judges supervising voir dire light decision today alert identify prima facie case purposeful discrimination think historic trial practice long served selection impartial jury abolished apprehension prosecutors trial judges perform conscientiously respective duties constitution example people hall cal california found evidence show procedures implementing version standard imposed five years earlier burdensome trial judges light variety jury selection practices followed state federal trial courts make attempt instruct courts best implement holding today reason express view whether appropriate particular case upon finding discrimination black jurors trial discharge venire select new jury panel previously associated case see booker jabe disallow discriminatory challenges resume selection improperly challenged jurors reinstated venire see robinson supp mandamus granted sub nom newman extent anything swain alabama contrary principles articulate today decision overruled justice white concurring overturns principal holding swain alabama constitution require given case inquiry prosecutor reasons using peremptory challenges strike blacks petit jury panel criminal trial black defendant case presumed prosecutor acting legitimate reasons rules use peremptory challenges given case may necessarily raise inference prosecutor carries burden refuting strikes based belief black citizen satisfactory juror fairly try black defendant agree extent swain overruled swain indicated presumption legitimacy respect striking black venire persons overcome evidence period time prosecution consistently excluded blacks petit juries warned prosecutors using peremptories exclude blacks assumption black juror fairly judge black defendant violate equal protection clause appears however practice peremptorily eliminating blacks petit juries cases black defendants remains widespread much agree opportunity inquire afforded occurs defendant objects judge puts considerable trust may determine prosecution must respond persuaded otherwise judge may conclude challenges rest belief blacks fairly try black defendant effect attributes prosecutor view blacks eliminated entire venire hence prior cases dealing jury venires rather petit juries without relevance case emphasizes using peremptory challenges strike blacks end inquiry unconstitutional without strike one blacks jury judge may require prosecutor respond prosecutor cases chance voir dire prospective jurors opportunity give reasons strikes satisfactory ground belief black jurors allowed judge black defendant much litigation required spell contours equal protection holding today significant effect conduct criminal trials gainsaid agree time come rule join opinion judgment however adhere rule announced destefano woods duncan louisiana held deny jury trials serious criminal cases require reversal state conviction failure grant jury trial trial began prior date announcement duncan decision result reached destefano respect retroactivity bloom illinois daniel louisiana per curiam respect decision taylor louisiana holding systematic exclusion women jury panels violated sixth fourteenth amendments inconsistent swain trial judge invalidate peremptory challenges blacks prosecutor response objection strikes stated struck blacks believed qualified serve jurors especially trial black defendant justice marshall concurring join justice powell eloquent opinion takes historic step toward eliminating shameful practice racial discrimination selection juries opinion cogently explains pernicious nature racially discriminatory use peremptory challenges repugnancy discrimination equal protection clause opinion also ably demonstrates inadequacy burden proof racially discriminatory use peremptories requires justice sit supinely flouted case case remedy available nonetheless write separately express views decision today end racial discrimination peremptories inject process goal accomplished eliminating peremptory challenges entirely little century ago invalidated state statute providing black citizens serve jurors strauder west virginia state officials turned somewhat subtle ways keeping blacks jury venires see swain alabama goldberg dissenting kuhn jury discrimination next phase cal rev see also van dyke jury selection procedures uncertain commitment representative panels hereinafter van dyke although means used exclude blacks changed pernicious consequence continued misuse peremptory challenge exclude black jurors become common flagrant black defendants rarely able compile statistics showing extent practice cases setting figures instructive see carter criminal cases western district missouri involving black defendants prosecutors peremptorily challenged black jurors cert denied mcdaniels supp ed la criminal cases eastern district louisiana involving black defendants federal prosecutors used peremptory challenges black jurors made less venire mckinney walker supp sc criminal trials spartansburg county south carolina involving black defendants prosecutors peremptorily challenged black jurors affirmance order prosecutors explained courts routinely strike black jurors see state washington la instruction book used prosecutor office dallas county texas explicitly advised prosecutors conduct jury selection eliminate member minority group felony trials dallas county prosecutors peremptorily struck eligible black jurors chance qualified black sitting jury compared white discussion utter unconstitutionality practice needs amplification explained century ago selection jurors pass upon defendant life liberty property shall exclusion race discrimination color neal delaware quoting virginia rives justice rehnquist dissenting concedes exclusion blacks jury solely black best based upon crudely stereotypical many cases hopelessly mistaken notions post yet equal protection clause prohibits state taking action based crude inaccurate racial stereotypes even action serve state interests exclusion blacks jury solely race justified belief blacks less likely whites consider fairly sympathetically state case black defendant justified notion blacks lack intelligence experience moral integrity neal supra entrusted role ii wholeheartedly concur conclusion use peremptory challenge remove blacks juries basis race violates equal protection clause go however fashioning remedy adequate eliminate discrimination merely allowing defendants opportunity challenge racially discriminatory use peremptory challenges individual cases end illegitimate use peremptory challenge evidentiary analysis similar set ante adopted matter state law including massachusetts california cases jurisdictions illustrate limitations approach first defendants attack discriminatory use peremptory challenges unless challenges flagrant establish prima facie case means one two black jurors survive challenges cause prosecutor need compunction striking jury race see commonwealth robinson mass prima facie case discrimination defendant black prospective jurors include three blacks one puerto rican prosecutor excludes one cause strikes remainder peremptorily producing jury people rousseau cal app cal rptr prima facie case prosecutor peremptorily strikes two blacks jury panel prosecutors left free discriminate blacks jury selection provided hold discrimination acceptable level second defendant establish prima facie case trial courts face difficult burden assessing prosecutors motives see king county nassau supp edny prosecutor easily assert facially neutral reasons striking juror trial courts ill equipped reasons treat prosecutor statement struck juror juror son age defendant see people hall cal seemed uncommunicative king supra never cracked smile therefore possess sensitivities necessary realistically look issues decide facts case hall supra easily generated explanations sufficient discharge prosecutor obligation justify strikes nonracial grounds protection erected today may illusory outright prevarication prosecutors danger even possible attorney may lie effort convince motives legal king supra prosecutor conscious unconscious racism may lead easily conclusion prospective black juror sullen distant characterization come mind white juror acted identically judge conscious unconscious racism may lead accept explanation well supported justice rehnquist concedes prosecutors peremptories based instincts particular jurors vote post see also chief justice dissenting opinion post yet instincts may often another term racial prejudice even parties approach mandate best conscious intentions mandate requires confront overcome racism levels challenge doubt meet worth remembering years close war nearly years strauder racial forms discrimination still remain fact life administration justice society whole rose mitchell quoted vasquez hillery iii inherent potential peremptory challenges distort jury process permitting exclusion jurors racial grounds ideally lead ban entirely criminal justice system see van dyke imlay federal jury reformation saving democratic institution loyola la rev justice goldberg dissenting swain emphasized ere necessary make absolute choice right defendant jury chosen conformity requirements fourteenth amendment right challenge peremptorily constitution compels choice former believe case presents choice resolve choice eliminating peremptory challenges entirely criminal cases authors suggested courts ban prosecutors peremptories entirely zealously guard defendant peremptory essential fairness trial jury lewis one important rights secured accused pointer see van dyke brown mcguire winters peremptory challenge manipulative device criminal trials traditional use abuse new england rev find acceptable solution criminal justice system requires freedom bias accused also prejudice prosecution state scales evenly held hayes missouri maintain balance permitting prosecutor defendant engage racial discrimination jury selection banning use peremptory challenges prosecutors allowing eliminate defendant peremptories well much ink spilled regarding historic importance defendants peremptory challenges approving comments lewis pointer courts noted swain emphasized old credentials peremptory challenge cited long widely held belief peremptory challenge necessary part trial jury also repeatedly stated right peremptory challenge constitutional magnitude may withheld altogether without impairing constitutional guarantee impartial jury fair trial frazier wood stilson see also swain potential racial prejudice inheres defendant challenge well prosecutor peremptory challenge eliminated cost eliminating defendant challenge well think great price pay applaud holding racially discriminatory use peremptory challenges violates equal protection clause join opinion however banning peremptories entirely discrimination ended commonwealth martin nix dissenting quoted mccray new york marshall dissenting denial certiorari see also harris texas marshall dissenting denial certiorari williams illinois marshall dissenting denial certiorari van dyke quoting texas observer may earlier treatise circulated county instructed prosecutors take jews negroes dagos mexicans member minority race jury matter rich well educated quoted dallas morning news mar see also comment case study peremptory challenge subtle strike equal protection due process louis justice stevens justice brennan joins concurring dissenting opinion chief justice correctly identifies apparent inconsistency criticism action colorado connelly memorandum brennan joined stevens new jersey stevens dissenting cases directed state brief argue questions presented petition certiorari action today finding violation equal protection clause despite failure petitioner counsel rely ground decision post nn case however unlike connelly party defending judgment explicitly rested issue question controlling basis affirmance defending kentucky judgment kentucky assistant attorney general emphasized state position centrality equal protection issue chief justice may please issue today simply whether swain versus alabama reaffirmed believe fourteenth amendment item challenged presents perhaps address problem swain dealt primarily use peremptory challenges strike individuals cognizable identifiable group petitioners show case state california case dealing use peremptories wherein sixth amendment cited authority resolving problem believe fourteenth amendment indeed issue guts primarily basic concern swain closing believe trial kentucky kentucky firmly embraced swain respectfully request affirm opinion kentucky well reaffirm swain versus alabama petitioner establish deprived properly constituted petit jury denied equal protection laws swain alabama defendant establish equal protection violation showing black veniremen subjected peremptory challenge prosecution case circumstances although suppose possible reargument might enable us better informed view problem percolating courts several years believe acts wisely resolving issue basis arguments already fully presented without special invitation tr oral arg brief amicus curiae argument section brief national district attorneys association amicus curiae support respondent begins follows conclude prosecutorial peremptory challenges exercised case proper fourteenth amendment equal protection clause sixth amendment determine constitutional need change otherwise modify decision swain alabama see mccray new york opinion stevens respecting denial certiorari marshall dissenting denial certiorari eventual federal habeas corpus disposition mccray course proved one landmark cases made issues case ripe review mccray abrams cert pending see also pet cert relying heavily mccray reason review mccray almost opinions considered similar challenges appeals second circuit explicitly addressed equal protection issue viability swain pending petition certiorari mccray similarly raises equal protection question long central issue pet cert question indeed shortly agreeing hear batson presented motion consolidate mccray batson consider cases together presumably believed batson adequately presented issues courts consistently grappled considering question denied motion see abrams mccray cf ibid brennan marshall stevens dissenting denial motion consolidate although disagree criticism case fully subscribe chief justice view expressed today address issues necessary disposition case petition contrasting views see bender williamsport area school burger dissenting addressing merits even though majority found lack standing colorado nunez concurring opinion joined burger expressing view merits even though writ dismissed improvidently granted judgment rested adequate independent state grounds florida casal burger concurring agreeing writ dismissed improvidently granted judgment rested adequate independent state grounds noting citizens state must aware power amend state law ensure rational law enforcement see also colorado connelly ordering parties address issue neither party raised new jersey justice concurring concur opinion judgment also agree views chief justice justice white today decision apply retroactively chief justice burger joined justice rehnquist dissenting granted certiorari decide whether petitioner tried violation constitutional provisions guaranteeing defendant impartial jury jury composed persons representing fair cross section community pet cert today sets aside peremptory challenge procedure part common law many centuries part jury system nearly years basis constitutional argument rejected without single dissent swain alabama reversal settled principles unusual enough terms three years ago said stare decisis perhaps never entirely persuasive constitutional question doctrine demands respect society governed rule law akron akron center reproductive health makes today holding truly extraordinary based constitutional argument petitioner expressly declined raise kentucky kentucky petitioner disclaimed specifically reliance equal protection clause fourteenth amendment pressing instead claim based sixth amendment see brief appellant reply brief appellant petitioner explained oral argument made equal protection claim made specific argument briefs filed either kentucky saying attacking swain tr oral arg petitioner suggested barrier prevented raising equal protection claim kentucky courts circumstances review equal protection argument improper consistently refused decide federal constitutional issues raised first time review state decisions illinois gates stevens dissenting quoting cardinale louisiana neither justice stevens offers justification departing principle dates owings norwood lessee cranch crowell randell pet even equal protection issue pressed kentucky surely pressed provides additional completely separate procedural novelty today decision petitioner question presented involved constitutional provisions guaranteeing defendant impartial jury jury composed persons representing fair cross section community pet cert provisions found sixth amendment equal protection clause fourteenth amendment relied upon brief merits heading distinguishing equal protection cases petitioner noted irrelevance swain analysis present case brief petitioner instead petitioner relied solely sixth amendment analysis found cases taylor louisiana oral argument counsel petitioner pointedly asked question niehaus swain equal protection challenge niehaus yes question claim based solely sixth amendment niehaus yes question correct niehaus arguing yes question asking reconsideration swain making equal protection claim correct niehaus made equal protection claim think swain reconsidered certain extent consider arguments made behalf affirmance respondent solicitor general niehaus made specific argument briefs filed either kentucky saying attacking swain tr oral arg question come back question attack swain head take overrule swain like result niehaus simply overrule swain without adopting remedy question yes niehaus think give us much comfort honor question concession niehaus state action involved defendant exercising peremptory challenge question might equal protection challenge state system allows kind strike niehaus believe possible really prepared answer specific question today rejects accepted courses action choosing instead reverse unanimous constitutional holding basis constitutional arguments expressly disclaimed petitioner explanation action found justice stevens concurrence justice stevens apparently believes issue properly party defending judgment explicitly rested issue question controlling basis affirmance ante cf illinois gates stevens dissenting impediment presenting new argument alternative basis affirming decision emphasis original sure respondent supporting amici cite swain equal protection clause arguments largely limited explaining swain placed negative gloss sixth amendment claim actually raised petitioner event strange jurisprudence looks arguments made respondent determine breadth questions presented review petitioner course view directly odds rule provides nly questions set forth petition fairly included therein considered justice stevens cite aware case nearly history alternative grounds urged respondent affirm judgment seized upon permit petitioner obtain relief judgment despite petitioner failure urge ground justice stevens also observes several amici curiae address equal protection argument ante thought well settled even point made amicus curiae brief claim never advanced petitioners reason pass upon knetsch objections peremptory challenges brought three years ago justice stevens agreed justice marshall challenge involved significant recurring question constitutional law mccray new york marshall dissenting denial certiorari referred approval opinion stevens respecting denial certiorari nonetheless justice stevens wrote issue dealt wisely later date conditions exist today justice stevens concedes reargument case might enable us better informed view problem percolating courts several years ante thus bottom position overrule extremely important prior constitutional decision claim advanced even though briefing oral argument claim might convince us otherwise believe ecisions made manner unlikely withstand test time leon stevens dissenting contemplating holding least direct reargument briefing issue whether equal protection holding swain reconsidered ii nonetheless chooses decide case equal protection grounds presented may useful discuss issue well acknowledges albeit old credentials peremptory challenge widely held belief peremptory challenge necessary part trial jury ante quoting swain proper resolution case requires nodding reference purpose challenge long ago recognized right challenge almost essential purpose securing perfect fairness impartiality trial forsyth history trial jury peremptory challenge use without scrutiny basis nearly long juries existed use amongst romans criminal cases lex servilia enacted accuser accused severally propose one hundred judices might reject fifty list one hundred remain try alleged crime ibid see also pettingal enquiry use practice juries among greeks romans swain justice white traced development peremptory challenge early days jury trial england trials felonies common law defendant allowed challenge peremptorily jurors prosecutor originally right challenge number jurors without cause right said tend infinite delayes danger coke littleton ed thus ordinance inquests edw stat provided sue king challenge jurors shall assign cause certain persistent view proper jury trial required peremptories sides however statute construed allow prosecution direct juror examination stand aside entire panel gone defendant exercised challenges deficiency jurors box point crown show cause respect jurors recalled make required number peremptories sides became settled law england continuing form separation colonies footnotes omitted federal system congress early took part subject hand establishing defendant entitled peremptories trials treason trials felonies specified act punishable death stat regard trials offenses without statute defendant government thought right peremptory challenge although source right wholly clear course apparently paralleled federal system defendant right challenge early conferred statute number often corresponding english practice prosecution thought retained crown right stand aside enacted statutes conferring prosecution substantial number peremptory challenges number generally least half often equal number defendant footnotes omitted function challenge eliminate extremes partiality sides assure parties jurors try case decide basis evidence placed otherwise way peremptory satisfies rule perform high function best way justice must satisfy appearance justice quoting murchison peremptory made without giving reason avoids trafficking core truth common stereotypes common human experience common sense psychosociological studies public opinion polls tell us likely certain classes people statistically predispositions make inappropriate jurors particular kinds cases allow knowledge expressed evaluative terms necessary challenges cause undercut desire society people judged individuals held reasonable open compromise example lthough experience reveals black males class biased young alienated blacks tried join middle class enunciate concrete expression required challenge cause societally divisive instead evolved peremptory challenge system allows covert expression dare say know true often babcock voir dire preserving wonderful power stan rev instead even considering history function peremptory challenge bulk opinion spent recounting principle intentional exclusion racial groups jury venires violation equal protection clause reaffirm principle part constitutional tradition since least strauder west virginia today decision nothing mere application principles announced strauder maintains ante consider curious application went unrecognized century swain difficulty unanimously concluding cases strauder require inquiry basis peremptory challenge see post rehnquist dissenting recently held efendants entitled jury particular composition taylor louisiana moment reflection quickly reveals vast differences racial exclusions involved strauder allegations us today exclusion venire summons process implies government usually legislative judicial branch made general determination excluded unfit try case exercise peremptory challenge contrast represents discrete decision made one two opposed litigants trial phase adversary system justice challenged venireperson likely unfavorable litigant particular case others venire thus excluding particular cognizable group venire pools stigmatizing discriminatory several interrelated ways peremptory challenge former singles excluded group individuals groups equally subject peremptory challenge basis including group affiliation exclusion bespeaks priori total unfitness exclusion merely suggests potential partiality particular isolated case exclusion venires focuses inherent attributes excluded group infers inferiority peremptory suggest particular race unfit judge case necessarily racially insulting suggest race may special concerns even may tend favor leslie en banc applying conventional equal protection analysis shown limitation new rule allegations impermissible challenge basis race opinion clearly contains limitation see ante establish prima facie case defendant first must show member cognizable racial group emphasis added ibid inally defendant must show facts relevant circumstances raise inference prosecutor used practice exclude veniremen petit jury account race emphasis added conventional equal protection principles apply presumably defendants object exclusions basis race also sex craig boren age massachusetts bd retirement murgia religious political affiliation karcher daggett stevens concurring mental capacity cleburne cleburne living center number children dandridge williams living arrangements department agriculture moreno employment particular industry minnesota clover leaf creamery profession williamson lee optical short quite probable every peremptory challenge objected basis excluded venireman characteristic shared remaining members venire constituted classification subject equal protection scrutiny see mccray abrams meskill dissenting cert pending compounding difficulties conventional equal protection principles uses peremptories reviewed strict scrutiny sustained suitably tailored serve compelling state interest cleburne others reviewed determine substantially related sufficiently important government interest still others reviewed determine whether rational means serve legitimate end id never applies conventional equal protection framework claims hand perhaps avoid acknowledging state interest involved historically regarded substantial compelling peremptory challenges long viewed means achieve impartial jury sympathetic toward neither accused witnesses state basis shared factor race religion occupation characteristic nearly century ago stated peremptory challenge essential fairness trial jury lewis conventional equal protection principles state interest magnitude ancient lineage might well overcome equal protection objection application peremptory challenges however silent strength state interest apparently leaving issue among many others litigation required spell contours equal protection holding today ante white concurring also purports express views whether constitution imposes limit exercise peremptory challenges defense counsel ante emphasis added clear inescapable import novel holding inevitably limit use valuable tool prosecutors defense attorneys alike held prosecutors limited use peremptory challenges rationally hold defendants criminal justice system requires freedom bias accused also prejudice prosecution state scales evenly held ante marshall concurring quoting hayes missouri rather applying straightforward equal protection analysis substitutes holding swain curious hybrid defendant must first establish prima facie case ante invidious discrimination burden shifts state come forward neutral explanation challenging black jurors ante explains operation prima facie burden proof rules established ur decisions concerning disparate treatment ante adds borrowing title vii case prosecutor must give clear reasonably specific explanation legitimate reasons exercising challenges ante quoting texas dept community affairs burdine undoubtedly rules well suited contexts particularly title vii required act congress seem curiously place applied peremptory challenges criminal cases system permits two types challenges challenges cause peremptory challenges challenges cause obviously explained definition peremptory challenges called peremptory challenge prisoner may challenge peremptorily dislike without showing cause joy peremptory challenge jurors emphasis added analytically middle ground challenge either explained readily apparent permit inquiry basis peremptory challenge force peremptory challenge collapse challenge cause clark indeed recognized without dissent swain scrutiny permitted challenge pro tanto longer peremptory every challenge open examination either time challenge hearing afterwards swain confronted dilemma created today attempts decree middle ground rebut prima facie case requires neutral explanation challenge pains emphasize explanation need rise level justifying exercise challenge cause ante loss discern governing principles clear reasonably specific explanation legitimate reasons exercising challenge difficult distinguish challenge cause anything short challenge cause may well seen arbitrary capricious challenge use blackstone characterization peremptory see blackstone commentaries apparently envisions permissible challenges short challenge cause little bit arbitrary much trial judges experienced supervising voir dire ante experience administering rules like example quickly demonstrate today holding purporting ends justice ante effect assume asian defendant trial capital murder white victim asks prospective jury members white whether harbor racial prejudice asians see turner murray ante basis question flush juror believes asians morally inferior ante assume white jurors deny harboring racial prejudice defendant trial life remains unconvinced protestations instead continues harbor hunch assumption intuitive judgment ante white jurors prejudiced presumably based part race rule today peremptory challenges exercised basis explained lewis ow necessary prisoner put defend life good opinion jury want might totally disconcert law wills tried one man conceived prejudice even without able assign reason dislike painful paradox holding likely interject racial matters back jury selection process contrary general thrust long line decisions notion country melting pot avery georgia instance confronted situation selection venire done selection tickets box names whites printed tickets one color names blacks printed different color tickets difficulty striking scheme justice frankfurter observed opportunity working discriminatory system exists whenever mechanism jury selection component part slips differentiates white colored concurring emphasis added today mark return racial differentiation accepts positive evil perceived one prosecutors defense attorneys alike build records support claims peremptory challenges exercised racially discriminatory fashion asking jurors state racial background national origin record despite fact questions may offensive jurors thus ordinarily asked voir dire people motton cal modified cal advance sheet process sure tax even capable counsel judges since determining whether prima facie case established require continued monitoring recording group composition panel present prospective people wheeler cal richardson dissenting even record issue created disputes inevitably arise one case instance conviction reversed based assumption blacks jury convicted defendant see people motton supra however decision announced carolyn pritchett served jury called press state error black california nonetheless denied rehearing petition tarry long difficult sensitive problems preferring instead gloss swiftly slides centuries history make attempt instruct trial courts best implement holding today ante leaves roughly general jurisdiction state trial judges approximately federal trial judges large find way morass creates today essentially wishes judges well begin difficult enterprise sorting implications newly created right join colleagues wishing nation judges well struggle grasp implement today holding mind however attention implementation questions leads quickly conclusion good way implement holding let alone best way one apparently frustrated judge explained reviewing case rule like promulgated today judicial inquiry peremptory challenges case case take courts quagmire quotas groups difficult define even difficult quantify courtroom pursuit judicial perfection require trial appellate courts provide speculative impractical answers artificial questions holley sweeping cal app cal rptr holmdahl concurring omitted iii also add assent justice white conclusion today decision apply retroactively ante concurring see also ante concurring held solem stumes criteria guiding resolution retroactivity question implicate purpose served new standards extent reliance law enforcement authorities old standards effect administration justice retroactive application new standards stovall denno sum prior holdings impossible construct even calorable argument retroactive application adopted judicially created rules similar announced today refused full retroactive application see people wheeler cal state neil supra commonwealth soares mass cert denied therefore persuaded justice white position ante concurring today novel decision given retroactive effect iv institution like peremptory challenge part fabric jury system casually cast aside especially basis raised argued petitioner one commentator aptly observed real question whether tinker system jury selection anything else done job centuries stand shoulders ancestors burke said much past always worth preserving argued rather infinite caution man venture upon pulling edifice answered tolerable degree ages common purposes society younger unlawful peremptory challenges litigation fall colorado connelly justice brennan joined justice stevens filed memorandum objecting briefing additional question explaining hardly second chair prosecutor alter strategy guard mistakes rule nly questions set forth petition fairly included therein considered given petitioner express disclaimer issue presented question obviously fairly included question submitted direction parties address anyway makes meaningless case provisions rule plainly cause concern particularly since clear similar dispensation granted criminal defendant however strong claim limited step directing briefing additional point time certiorari granted cause concern think fortiori far expansive action takes today warrant similar concern justice stevens joined justice brennan justice marshall dissented order directing reargument new jersey explained single question presented briefed argued evidently unable unwilling decide question presented parties instead dismissing writ certiorari improvidently granted orders reargument directed questions petitioner decided bring volunteering unwanted advice rarely wise course action believe adversary process functions effectively rely initiative lawyers rather activism judges fashion questions review fact alone distinguishes cases cited justice stevens support today unprecedented action see ante bender williamsport area school burger dissenting colorado nunez white concurring florida casal burger concurring issues discussed primary issues advanced briefed argued petitioners related directly basis deciding case sure discussion separate statements might parsimoniously viewed un necessary disposition case petition ante approach many dissenting opinions dissents denial certiorari condemned well important none separate statements even suggested proper overturn judgment issues briefed argued petitioner today finally colorado connelly new jersey directed briefing argument particular questions deciding procedure serves desirable end ensuring issues wishes consider fully briefed argued suggestion hear reargument case serves end distinctions might support claim conventional equal protection principles defendant also establish standing raise obtaining relief see alexander louisiana also silent whether state may demonstrate use peremptories rests merely assumptions ante sociological studies similar foundations see saltzburg powers peremptory challenges clash impartiality group representation md rev assessment juror prejudices based group affiliation accurate counsel exercised challenge intended remove partial jurors jurisdiction spoken matter prohibited prosecution peremptory challenges basis cognizable group affiliation held defense must likewise prohibited leslie en banc one warned overturning swain potential stretching criminal trials already long making voir dire title vii proceeding miniature clark potential clearly realized worth observing congress unable locate constitutional deficiencies peremptory challenge system discerns today solicitor general explains urging rejection sixth amendment issue presented petition affirmance decision reconciling traditional peremptory challenge system requirements sixth amendment instructive consider accommodation made congress jury selection service act et seq house report makes clear bill leaves undisturbed right litigant exercise peremptory challenges eliminate jurors purely subjective reasons brief amicus curiae quoting question required turner certain capital cases demonstrates inapplicability traditional equal protection analysis jury voir dire seeking impartial jury surely question rests generalized stereotypic racial notions condemned equal protection grounds contexts california attempted finesse problem asserting discrimination often based appearances verified racial descent showing prosecution systematically excusing persons appear black establish prima facie case racial discrimination people motton cal suggests however proper inquiry concerns actual race jurors excluded rather counsel subjective impressions race spring unclear record impressions made similar difficulties may lurk case remand fact jury composed white persons selected ante basis finding prosecutor statement response question defense counsel looking yes jury app also underscored today hold petitioner established prima facie case entitling form relief ante petitioner concedes virtually impossible prosecutor case recall used peremptory challenges fashion brief petitioner although delaware suggested might follow rule like adopted today see riley state issue retroactive application rule appear litigated published decision justice rehnquist chief justice joins dissenting opening line opinion case involves reexamination portion swain alabama concerning evidentiary burden placed criminal defendant claims denied equal protection state use peremptory challenges exclude members race petit jury ante omitted reality majority opinion deals much evidentiary burden little discussion less analysis also overrules one fundamental substantive holdings swain namely state may use peremptory challenges remove jury basis prospective jurors race defendant find rejection holding ill considered unjustifiable established principles equal protection dissent swain carefully distinguished two possible scenarios involving state use peremptory challenges exclude blacks juries criminal cases part iii majority opinion swain concluded first scenarios namely exclusion blacks reasons wholly unrelated outcome particular case trial deny negro right opportunity participate administration justice enjoyed white population might violate guarantees equal protection see felt important historic purposes peremptory challenge furthered exclusion blacks case case whatever circumstances whatever crime whoever defendant victim may emphasis added nevertheless ultimately held record case sufficient demonstrate th rule violated petitioner burden proof failed carry three justices dissented arguing petitioner evidentiary burden satisfied testimony black ever served petit jury relevant county see goldberg joined warren douglas dissenting significantly swain reached different conclusion respect second kind scenario part ii opinion held state use peremptory challenges exclude blacks particular jury based assumption belief likely favor black defendant violate equal protection justice white writing explained challenges cause permit rejection jurors narrowly specified provable legally cognizable basis partiality peremptory permits rejection real imagined partiality less easily designated demonstrable hayes missouri often exercised upon sudden impressions unaccountable prejudices apt conceive upon bare looks gestures another lewis upon juror habits associations hayes missouri supra upon feeling bare questioning juror indifference may sometimes provoke resentment lewis supra less frequently exercised grounds normally thought irrelevant legal proceedings official action namely race religion nationality occupation affiliations people summoned jury duty question prosecutor defense counsel must decide whether juror particular race nationality fact partial whether one different group less likely hence veniremen always judged solely individuals purpose exercising peremptory challenges rather challenged light limited knowledge counsel may include group affiliations context case tried considerations mind hold striking negroes particular case denial equal protection laws quest impartial qualified jury negro white protestant catholic alike subject challenged without cause subject prosecutor challenge particular case demands traditional standards equal protection clause entail radical change nature operation challenge challenge pro tanto longer peremptory emphasis added footnotes omitted even swain dissenters take issue majority position equal protection clause prohibit state using peremptory challenges exclude blacks based assumption belief partial black defendant dissenters emphasized view concerning evidentiary burden facing defendant alleges equal protection claim based state use peremptory challenges mean systematic exclusion negroes jury service shown prosecutor motives subject question judicial inquiry excludes negroes group sitting jury particular case goldberg dissenting emphasis added today asserts however equal protection clause forbids prosecutor challenge potential jurors solely assumption black jurors group unable impartially consider state case black defendant ante later discussing state need establish nondiscriminatory basis striking blacks jury prosecutor may rebut defendant prima facie case discrimination stating merely challenged jurors defendant race assumption intuitive judgment partial defendant shared race ante neither statements anything evidentiary burden necessary establish equal protection claim context statements directly contrary view equal protection clause shared majority dissenters swain yet instant case offers absolutely analysis support decision overrule swain regard fact discuss part ii swain opinion subscribe unprecedented use equal protection clause restrict historic scope peremptory challenge described necessary part trial jury swain view simply nothing unequal state using peremptory challenges strike blacks jury cases involving black defendants long challenges also used exclude whites cases involving white defendants hispanics cases involving hispanic defendants asians cases involving asian defendants use peremptory challenges state single blacks members race matter discriminatory treatment use peremptories best based upon instincts undoubtedly crudely stereotypical may many cases hopelessly mistaken long applied jurors races nationalities see certainly explained use violates equal protection clause use peremptory challenges state infringe upon constitutional interests suggest exclusion blacks jury state use peremptory challenges results violation either impartiality component sixth amendment see ante use peremptory challenges state deny blacks right serve jurors cases involving nonblack defendants harms neither excluded jurors remainder community see ante use group affiliations age race occupation proxy potential juror partiality based assumption belief members one group likely favor defendants belong group long accepted legitimate basis state exercise peremptory challenges see swain supra leslie en banc carter cert denied indeed given need reasonable limitations time devoted voir dire use proxies state defendant may extremely useful eliminating jury persons might biased one way another today holds state may use peremptory challenges strike black prospective jurors basis without violating constitution believe anything equal protection clause constitutional provision justifies departure substantive holding contained part ii swain petitioner instant case failed make sufficient showing overcome presumption announced swain state use peremptory challenges related context case therefore affirm judgment note rely argument fewer minorities given population majorities equal use peremptory challenges members majority minority racial groups unequal impact flaws argument demonstrated judge garwood thoughtful opinion en banc fifth circuit leslie see commonwealth dimatteo mass app state constitution trial judge properly rejected white defendant attempted peremptory challenge black prospective juror