1. Whether striking a juror based on allegations of racial prejudice, when unsubstantiated, is not a facially race neutral explanation under step two of Batson's three-part test, regardless of whether the juror's race is explicitly stated.

2. Whether compliance with step two of Batson's three-part test requires a distinct inquiry into the facial race neutrality of the explanation, is a prerequisite for advancing to step three, and is subject to a de novo standard of review.

Whether striking a juror based on allegations of racial prejudice is a facially race-neutral explanation under Batson