Voir Dire

Term: Voir DireDefinition: The process by which prospective jurors are questioned by attorneys or the judge to determine their suitability for serving on a jury.Phonetic Pronunciation: (vwahr DEER)Origin: The term "voir dire" originates from the French language, meaning "to speak the truth." It was historically used in French courts to ensure that witnesses were truthful before testifying. The phrase was adopted into the English legal system during the Norman Conquest and has since become an integral part of the jury selection process in many jurisdictions.Significance in Asbestos Context: In asbestos litigation, voir dire is crucial for identifying potential biases or preconceptions among jurors that could affect their ability to fairly adjudicate a case involving asbestos-related injuries. Attorneys use this process to select jurors who can impartially evaluate evidence and legal arguments concerning asbestos exposure and liability.Example Sentence: During the voir dire process in the asbestos lawsuit, the defense attorney questioned potential jurors about their familiarity with asbestos-related diseases to ensure an unbiased jury.Related Terms: Jury Selection, Challenge for Cause, Peremptory Challenge, Bias, ImpartialityNotes: - Voir dire can vary significantly between jurisdictions, with some allowing extensive questioning by attorneys and others limiting it to the judge. - The process aims to ensure a fair trial but can be influenced by the skill of the attorneys in questioning potential jurors. - Misconception: Some believe voir dire is only used in criminal cases, but it is equally important in civil cases like those involving asbestos.