What does "voir dire" mean in a legal context?

In a legal context, "voir dire" refers to the process of selecting a jury. This process involves questioning potential jurors to determine their suitability for serving on a jury for a specific trial. During voir dire, attorneys for both sides have the opportunity to assess the jurors' backgrounds, biases, and attitudes, which can influence their ability to be impartial in the case at hand. The aim is to ensure that a fair and impartial jury is chosen, which is a fundamental right within the legal system.

The options related to the final judgment, preliminary hearings, and declarations of mistrial cover different aspects of legal proceedings but do not accurately reflect the specific focus and purpose of voir dire. Understanding the importance of this jury selection process is crucial in the context of ensuring a fair trial.