Siriano v. Beth Israel Hospital Center

OPINION OF THE COURT

Edward H. Lehner, J.

During jury selection the six codefendants have used their peremptory challenges to excuse all nine minority venirepersons (six black1 and three Latino) who have to date been examined. Plaintiffs assert that this exclusion has been impermissibly based on race and request judicial relief.

FACTS

The plaintiff Joseph Siriano, a white of Italian ancestry, asserts that he was injured in a construction accident and has instituted this action against the owner of premises where the accident occurred and five contractors and subcontractors.

Justice Helen Freedman…