How many peremptory challenges do lawyers typically have during jury selection?

In civil cases in Ontario, lawyers are typically allowed to exercise four peremptory challenges during jury selection. This number allows each party to exclude jurors without providing a reason, promoting the interest of ensuring an impartial jury. The ability to use several peremptory challenges acknowledges the importance of jury composition in influencing the trial's outcome, enabling counsel to better align the jury's characteristics and perspectives with their case strategy.

Understanding the context helps clarify why other choices reflect incorrect numbers. For instance, a lower number of challenges would restrict a party's ability to make strategic decisions about jury selection, potentially undermining the fairness of the trial process. Conversely, a higher number might complicate the process unduly or lead to protracted selection procedures. Therefore, four challenges strike a balance between the rights of both parties and the efficiency of jury selection.