§ 34. Mr. Jesselasked the Attorney-General whether any guidance is given by Her Majesty's Government to counsel appearing in Crown courts on the use of peremptory challenges.
§ The Attorney-GeneralIt is not open to the Government to give guidance to counsel appearing in Crown courts on matters such as these. In 1977 the number of peremptory challenges available to each defendant was reduced from seven to three. As the Solicitor-General said446W in November, while the law so recently approved by Parliament remains as it is, counsel has a right and a duty to use the peremptory challenge, together with all other lawful means, to the extent that he conscientiously thinks it will further his client's interest.