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HRS §635-30

How many jury challenges each side gets in criminal trials

This law sets the number of peremptory challenges in criminal jury trials. The number depends on whether the crime can be punished by life in prison. It also explains how many challenges each defendant gets when there are multiple defendants.

courts

The statute, as written — Peremptory challenges, criminal cases

In criminal cases, if the offense charged is punishable by life imprisonment, each side is entitled to twelve peremptory challenges. If there are two or more defendants jointly put on trial for such an offense, each of the defendants shall be allowed six challenges. In all other criminal trials by jury each side is entitled to three peremptory challenges. If there are two or more defendants jointly put on trial for such an offense, each of the defendants shall be allowed two challenges. In all cases the State shall be allowed as many challenges as are allowed to all defendants.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.