[General] take exception

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Would you be kind enough to tell me whether I am right with my interpretation of the expression in bold in the following sentence?

Exception has been taken to one member of the jury. One member of the jury was disapproved.

take exception = disapprove

Thank you for your efforts.

Regards,

V

 

[Neillythere]

hi Vil

Although not a court specialist, from TV court dramas, particularly in USA, I understand that if an "exception" is taken to a particular juror or to jurors and it is upheld by the court, that juror is excused from participating in that particular court case.

The "exception" woud be based on potential pre-existing bias of the juror(s) against (or in favour of) the accused before any evidence is heard either way.

I believe that there may be a limit on the number of "exceptions" that can be made (otherwise it would be impossible to chose a jury).

Hope this helps

Best Regards
NT

 

[riquecohen]

The lawyer for each side has a certain number of "preemptory challenges" by which he can eliminate (take exception to) a juror for no reason at all. He may not like the prospective juror´s tie, occupation, hair color, etc. No reason needs to be given. In addition to these challenges, the lawyers have the right to request exclusion of a prospective juror based on what they see as a possible bias. I am not certain if there is a limit to these challenges "for cause." Are there any lawyers out there?