360.15 - Trial jury; challenge to the panel.

§ 360.15  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 trial of the action 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  appropriate  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 questions of 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  the  return  of  another panel of prospective trial jurors.