How do peremptory challenges work during jury selection?

During the jury selection process, known as voir dire, attorneys and judges screen prospective jurors to ensure a fair trial. While challenges for cause allow for the dismissal of an unlimited number of jurors who demonstrate specific bias, peremptory challenges function differently.12

A peremptory challenge allows an attorney to dismiss a potential juror without providing a specific reason or justification. Unlike challenges for cause, which are unlimited, the number of peremptory challenges available to each party is strictly limited by law. This mechanism is a long-standing legal tradition, dating back to at least the 16th century, and is used by trial counsel as a strategic tool to shape the composition of the jury.123