Counsel must be afforded the opportunity to challenge jurors for cause out of the
presence of the panel.
Rule 1:22.Exercise of Challenges to Prospective Jurors.
Part One: General Rules Applicable to All Proceedings · Last amended 2021 · Last verified July 16, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1:22 requires that counsel be given the chance to challenge prospective jurors for cause outside the presence of the rest of the jury panel.
Full Text of Rule 1:22
Plain-English Summary
Rule 1:22 is a single, narrow requirement: counsel must be given the opportunity to challenge jurors for cause outside the presence of the panel.
Keeping those challenges away from the other prospective jurors’ hearing protects the rest of the panel from exposure to the arguments and reasons behind a for-cause challenge to one of their own, so a panelist who is ultimately seated on the jury is not tainted by having heard why a fellow prospective juror was challenged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can counsel challenge a juror for cause in front of the rest of the panel?
No. Rule 1:22 requires that counsel be given the opportunity to challenge jurors for cause out of the presence of the panel.
Does Rule 1:22 cover peremptory challenges too?
The rule’s text addresses challenges for cause specifically; it does not separately address where peremptory challenges must be exercised.
Why does Rule 1:22 keep for-cause challenges away from the rest of the panel?
The rule does not state a reason, but requiring the challenge to happen outside the panel’s presence keeps the remaining prospective jurors from hearing the arguments made about a fellow panelist.
Who is entitled to exercise for-cause challenges under Rule 1:22?
Counsel. The rule requires that counsel be afforded the opportunity to make these challenges outside the panel’s presence.
Does this rule apply to civil cases, criminal cases, or both?
The rule’s text is not limited to one type of case, and it appears among Part One’s general rules applicable to all proceedings.
Amendment History
Last amended by Order dated November 23, 2020; effective March 1, 2021.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia, published by the
Supreme Court of Virginia. Last verified July 16, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: challenge for cause Virginia juryvoir dire challenges VirginiaRule 1:22 Virginiajury panel challenges outside presenceperemptory versus for cause challenge Virginia