voir dire

**voir dire**

“Voir dire” is a legal term derived from Old French, meaning “to speak the truth.” In the context of the judicial process, it refers to the preliminary examination or questioning of prospective jurors by the judge or attorneys to determine their suitability to serve on a jury. The goal of voir dire is to identify any biases, preconceived notions, or potential conflicts of interest that might affect a juror’s impartiality. This process helps ensure a fair trial by selecting an unbiased jury. The term is commonly used in common law jurisdictions and is a fundamental part of jury selection in criminal and civil cases.