Johnson v. Leesville Concrete Co.

500 U.S. 614 (1991)

Facts:

  • Edmonson suffered a job related accident and sued r for negligence.

Procedural History:

  • During jury selection, r struck several black jurors, ¶ objected and asked a non-race cause for the challenge.Issue:

Whether a private litigant in a civil case may use preemptory challenges to exclude jurors on account of their race.

Holding:

A private litigant in a civil case may NOT use preemptory challenges to exclude jurors on account of their race.

Rule:

Excusing a jury solely on the basis of race is unconstitutional in civil cases.