(1) A party to a civil or criminal trial may challenge for cause against a
person selected to serve on the jury or as a reserve juror.
(2) A challenge
for cause under this section is made by objecting to the selection of the
person against whom the challenge is made on either or both of the following
grounds—
(3) A party who makes a challenge for cause must inform the
judge of the reasons for the challenge and give the judge information and
materials available to the party that are relevant to the challenge.
(4) If
the judge is satisfied there are proper grounds to inquire into the
qualification or impartiality of the person against whom the challenge is
made, the judge may—
(a) permit the party to put questions to the person in
a way and in a form decided by the judge; and
(b) if the person’s answers
to the questions give grounds for further inquiry—permit the examination or
cross-examination of the person on oath.
(6) After considering the evidence and submissions of parties, the
judge must uphold or dismiss the challenge.
(7) The judge’s decision under
this section is not subject to interlocutory appeal but, if the final judgment
of the court is liable to appeal, may be considered on an appeal against the
final judgment of the court.
(8) A challenge for cause does not reduce the
number of peremptory challenges available to the party who makes the
challenge.