§ 651 Defendant to be informed of right to challenge.

When a jury trial starts, twelve people are brought in as possible jurors. Before anything moves forward, the judge (or someone acting for the judge) has to tell the defendant that they have the right to challenge or object to any of these jurors.

The judge also has to tell the defendant that this is their only chance to speak up. Once the jury is sworn in, the defendant can no longer object to who is sitting on the jury. Any challenges must happen before that swearing-in moment.

This rule protects the defendant's right to a fair jury. It makes sure the defendant knows they can question or remove certain jurors, and it puts a clear deadline on when that has to happen.