Ray-Simmons & McGouldrick v. State

We apply in this case Batson v. Kentucky, 476 U.S. 79, 106 S.Ct. 1712, 90 L.Ed.2d 69 (1986), and its progeny to the State’s exercise of peremptory challenges and its subsequent explanations for making those challenges. We hold that, because the State’s explanation for one of its peremptory challenges was not neutral as to both race and gender, Petitioners are entitled to relief under Batson. We accordingly reverse the decision of the Court of Special Appeals and grant Petitioners a new trial.

I

Petitioners, Mashea Ray-Simmons and Antionette McGouldrick, were tried jointly with a third…