Voir Dire
The process of questioning prospective jurors to determine their suitability for serving on a jury, including identifying potential biases.
Encyclopedia entry: Voir Dire
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voir dire
French for to speak the truth, voir dire is the process through which potential jurors are questioned by either the judge or a lawyer to determine their suitability for jury service. It is used to excuse prospective jurors deemed incapable of fulfilling juror obligations , such as impartiality.
Voir dire also involves the preliminary questioning of witnesses (especially experts) to determine their competence to testify.
In the case of Stewart v. State , the Maryland Court of Appeals reviewed voir dire principles.
[Last reviewed in February of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team
]
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.