A step backward for justice reform – SB 83 will cut the number of peremptory challenges from 10 to 6.

For the past 8 years, the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ) has successfully protected peremptory challenges from proposals by the California Judges Association and the Judicial Council of California who have attempted – and are currently attempting – to reduce the number of peremptory challenges in misdemeanor cases from 10 to 6.   

 Late Thursday evening the Budget Conference Committee of the Legislature approved a last-minute addition to the agenda from the Governor to reduce misdemeanor peremptory challenges to 6. 

CACJ’s lobbying team was present and pushed back.  Many legislators stood with CACJ.  However, after intense negotiations with the administration, the legislators reluctantly approved the reduction.  Since Thursday, many legislators stated their displeasure with the proposal.  CACJ needs your assistance.