Justice Samuel A. Alito wrote the majority opinion in Snyder v. Louisiana, a case that reversed the first degree murder conviction of Allan Snyder. The court held that the prosecutor improperly used peremptory challenges to secure an all white jury in this trial of an African American man in Louisiana.

The case represents a significant elaboration on the court’s ruling 22 years ago in Batson v. Kentucky that opened the door to challenges of criminal convictions for racial discrimination in jury selection. Finding “clear error” Justice Alito held that “the very integrity of the courts is jeopardized” by racial bias in jury selection and found the prosecutors explanation of his actions to be unconvincing and pretextual.

Justices Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia dissented.