What was the ruling in J.E.B. v. Alabama regarding gender in jury selection?

The ruling in J.E.B. v. Alabama established that gender cannot be used as a basis for peremptory challenges in jury selection. This landmark decision built upon earlier cases that addressed discrimination in jury selection, particularly focusing on race. The court concluded that allowing peremptory challenges based solely on gender violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

The essence of this ruling is to ensure that all individuals have an equal opportunity to serve on a jury, regardless of gender, thus promoting fairness in the judicial process. By declaring that gender cannot be a factor in peremptory strikes, the court aimed to uphold the integrity of the jury as a representative body, free from discrimination based on arbitrary characteristics such as gender.

This ruling emphasizes the importance of equality and non-discrimination in the courtroom, reflecting broader societal values regarding gender equality. The decision has significant implications for how juries are selected and ensures that both men and women are equally represented, thereby enhancing the diversity and impartiality of the jury system.