LawMeaning

Voir Dire

From the Latin French for 'to speak the truth,' from Old French 'voir' (true) and 'dire' (to say)..

In one sentence

The questioning process used to select impartial jurors for a trial.

Plain English

Voir dire is the examination of potential jurors before trial to determine if they can be fair and impartial. Lawyers and judges ask questions about potential bias, personal experiences, and attitudes that might affect their judgment. Based on the answers, attorneys can challenge jurors they believe are biased—either for cause (a specific reason the judge agrees with) or through peremptory challenges (a limited number of rejections without stating a reason). The goal is to seat a jury that will judge the case fairly based only on the evidence presented.

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Example

In a drunk driving case, during voir dire the judge asks potential jurors if they've been affected by drunk driving or have strong feelings about alcohol. If someone says their child was killed by a drunk driver, the prosecutor might challenge them for cause because they're likely biased against the defendant.

Used in a sentence

“The attorney used voir dire to identify jurors who might be sympathetic to her client's case.”

Related terms

adjudication hearing
A court proceeding where a judge hears evidence and makes a formal decision about a legal matter.
judgment
The court's final decision in a criminal case, determining guilt or innocence and imposing sentence.
appeal as of right
An appeal that a defendant can file automatically without needing special permission from the court.
Pro Se
Representing yourself in court without a lawyer.
Small Claims Court
A court that handles minor civil disputes involving small amounts of money, usually without lawyers.
Contempt of Court
Willful disobedience or disrespect toward a court or judge that disrupts justice.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.