This educational guide is based on the linked primary sources. It is not a Court publication, is not affiliated with the Court, and is not legal advice.
In brief
Overview
The case concerns the use of peremptory challenges to strike African‑American jurors in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.
Background and question before the Court
Five African‑American jurors were the subject of prosecutorial peremptory challenges.
What each side argues
Petitioner (Allen Snyder / Stephen B. Bright)
According to Petitioner (Stephen B. Bright), according to Petitioner (Stephen B. Bright), petitioner argues that the Louisiana Supreme Court’s decision on remand departs from the precedent set by the Miller‑El decisions.
Defense (Mr. Bright)
According to Mr. Bright, the judge should not allow a peremptory strike that would remove a juror, because it would be ineffective.
According to Mr. Bright, louisiana procedural rules do not require the judge to permit such a strike.
What happened at oral argument
Justice Alito asked whether he could inquire about one of the factors in the case.
Justice Alito posed a hypothetical about a defense attorney asking a potential juror whether a defendant’s refusal to testify would affect the juror’s view.
Justice Ginsburg asked whether the judge was present throughout the entire voir dire.
Justice Souter asked whether a white defendant would have led to mention of the O.J. Simpson case.
According to Justice Stevens, justice Stevens inquired about Juror Hawkins, indicating limited discussion about that juror.
Mr. Boudreaux explained that a “back strike” is a challenge and not necessarily racial.
African‑Americans make up about 20 % of Jefferson Parish’s population but less than 11 % of those summoned for jury duty.
There were five African‑American jurors who were the subject of prosecutorial peremptory challenges.
- [1] b9fe152111cf941ffd96-r1-0f451372774f349e.pdf, p. 5
- [2] b9fe152111cf941ffd96-r1-0f451372774f349e.pdf, p. 21
- [3] b9fe152111cf941ffd96-r1-0f451372774f349e.pdf, p. 23
- [4] b9fe152111cf941ffd96-r1-0f451372774f349e.pdf, p. 37
- [5] b9fe152111cf941ffd96-r1-0f451372774f349e.pdf, p. 46
- [6] b9fe152111cf941ffd96-r1-0f451372774f349e.pdf, p. 50
- [7] b9fe152111cf941ffd96-r1-0f451372774f349e.pdf, p. 54
- [8] b9fe152111cf941ffd96-r1-0f451372774f349e.pdf, p. 6
What the Court decided
Why it matters
Terms to know
No glossary terms are available for this guide.
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- b9fe152111cf941ffd96-r1-0f451372774f349e.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 22, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.