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Voir Dire
Voir dire is the process where the judge and lawyers question potential jurors to decide who will serve on your jury.
What it actually is
It occurs at the start of a trial, before any evidence is presented. The court and attorneys ask questions to uncover biases or other reasons a person might not be impartial, and then use that information to remove certain jurors from the panel.
Why it matters in your case
This process directly affects who decides your case, so it can influence the outcome. If a biased juror is not identified and removed, your right to a fair trial could be compromised.
The common misunderstanding
Many people think voir dire is about proving guilt or innocence, but it is only about selecting an impartial jury. It is not a trial within the trial.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.