Voir dire

The process through which potential jurors from the venire (pool of available jurors) are questioned by either the judge or both parties’ lawyers or both to determine their suitability for jury duty. Potential jurors may be excused based on a finding that they are prejudiced regarding an aspect of the case or have a relationship with one of the parties. Voir dire is also used in the preliminary questioning of witnesses (especially experts) to determine their competence to testify.