The accused may challenge peremptorily, in any criminal trial before the Superior Court for any offense punishable by death or life imprisonment without the possibility of release, twenty-five jurors; for any offense punishable by life imprisonment, fifteen jurors; for any offense the punishment for which may be imprisonment for more than one year and for less than life, six jurors; and for any other offense, three jurors. In any criminal trial in which the accused is charged with more than one count on the information or where there is more than one information, the number of challenges is determined by the count carrying the highest maximum punishment. The state, on the trial of any criminal prosecution, may challenge peremptorily the same number of jurors as the accused.
Conn. Gen. Stat. ยง 54-82g
(1949 Rev., S. 8798; 1953, S. 3327d; 1959, P.A. 28, S. 210; February, 1965, P.A. 574, S. 39; P.A. 73-576, S. 1, 4; P.A. 74-183, S. 55, 291; P.A. 76-336, S. 16; P.A. 76-436, S. 105, 681; P.A. 77-452, S. 19, 72; P.A. 80-152; 80-313, S. 40, 62; P.A. 12-5, S. 27.)
Annotations to former section 51-242: Peremptory challenge must be made at time of examination, unless new cause arises. 18 C. 177. Juror need not be sworn on voir dire; not a strict right, but may be granted; in any event waived by neglect to request. 47 C. 528. If challenge for favor overruled, no cause of complaint unless peremptory challenges exhausted. Id.; 49 C. 379. When court has discretion to sentence for life, accused may challenge 15 jurors peremptorily. Id., 232. Accused has no absolute right to examine jurors. 69 C. 186; 80 Conn. 614. Control of judge over examination. 72 C. 722. Where more than one count, number that may be challenged is determined by highest maximum punishment under any count. 80 C. 618. Disqualifications of jurors discussed; distinction between principal challenge and challenge to the favor. 103 C. 542. Challenge to the array, which can lie only for a cause affecting entire panel, discussed. 100 C. 209; 103 C. 471; 109 C. 572. Qualifications of jurors who hold opinions formed through news reports. 147 Conn. 194. Annotations to present section: Cited. 193 Conn. 646; 195 C. 421; 223 Conn. 299; 226 Conn. 618; 233 C. 813; 237 Conn. 238. Nothing in section requires trial court to permit a party to ascertain prospective jurors’ views on specific evidence during voir dire. 269 Conn. 213. Death penalty unconstitutional under Art. I, Secs. 8 and 9 of Connecticut Constitution. 318 Conn. 1. Cited. 7 CA 503; 16 CA 333; 36 CA 631; 38 CA 231.