Which statement best describes a preemptory challenge compared to a cause challenge?

A preemptory challenge is characterized by the fact that it does not require the party exercising it to provide a specific reason for the dismissal of a potential juror. In contrast, a challenge for cause must be based on specific, articulable grounds that demonstrate a juror's inability to be fair or impartial due to bias or other disqualifying factors. The essence of a preemptory challenge is the discretion it affords to the parties involved in the litigation, allowing them to reject jurors without the need to justify their decision.

The distinction between these two types of challenges is significant in jury selection; a preemptory challenge allows for tactical decisions that may be based on gut feelings or strategic considerations, whereas a challenge for cause must be grounded in legal reasoning that can be scrutinized by the court. Thus, the statement that a preemptory challenge does not require a stated reason accurately reflects this fundamental aspect of jury selection in civil procedure.