The phrase "voir dire" derives from Middle French; in modern English it is interpreted to mean "speak the truth" and generally refers to the process by which prospective jurors are questioned about their backgrounds and potential biases before being invited to sit on a jury.
Voir dire can include both general questions asked of an entire pool of prospective jurors, answered by means such as a show of hands, and questions asked of individual prospective jurors and calling for a verbal answer.
In England, the process of voir dire consists of the single question: "Can you give a fair hearing to both the crown and the defense?" Any prospective juror who affirmatively answers the question is impaneled on the jury.
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Last updated: 08-21-2005 00:51:33
