... The trial judge's findings of purposeful discrimination rest largely on his evaluation
of demeanor and credibility. ... The State bore the burden of demonstrating that these
proffered explanations were pretext for racial discrimination. ...
... Rather, following the lead of Purkett, this Court declared that the second step of a Batson inquiry
only required that counsel's explanation be race-neutral in order to ensure that the burden of
showing purposeful discrimination remains at all times on the opponent of the strike. Id. ...
... Rather, following the lead of Purkett, this Court declared that the second step of a Batson inquiry
only required that counsel's explanation be race-neutral in order to ensure that the burden of
showing purposeful discrimination remains at all times on the opponent of the strike. Id. ...