270.10 - Trial jury; challenge to the panel.

§ 270.10  Trial jury; challenge to the panel.    1.   A challenge to the panel is an objection made to the entire panel  of prospective trial jurors returned for the term and may  be  taken  to  such  panel or to any additional panel that may be ordered by the court.  Such a challenge may be made only by  the  defendant  and  only  on  the  ground that there has been such a departure from the requirements of the  judiciary  law  in  the  drawing  or return of the panel as to result in  substantial prejudice to the defendant.    2.  A challenge to the panel must be made before the selection of  the  jury commences, and, if it is not, such challenge is deemed to have been  waived.   Such challenge must be made in writing setting forth the facts  constituting the ground of challenge.  If such facts are denied  by  the  people,  witnesses  may  be  called  and examined by either party.   All  issues of fact and law arising  on  the  challenge  must  be  tried  and  determined  by  the court.   If a challenge to the panel is allowed, the  court must discharge that panel and order another panel  of  prospective  trial jurors returned for the term.