What does 'voir dire' refer to in the context of trials?

'Voir dire' refers to a process of jury selection. This procedure involves questioning potential jurors to assess their suitability for serving on a jury for a specific trial. During voir dire, attorneys or the judge may inquire about the jurors' backgrounds, beliefs, and any potential biases that could influence their impartiality. The goal is to ensure that the jury panel is fair and capable of delivering an unbiased verdict based on the evidence presented during the trial.

This term is critical in the legal context as it helps maintain the integrity of the judicial process, ensuring that all parties receive a fair trial judged by an impartial jury. Prosecutors and defense attorneys carefully consider their responses and may challenge or dismiss certain jurors based on their answers, further underscoring the importance of this stage in the trial process.