Which term describes the process for screening jurors before trial?

• A. Mistrial
• B. For Cause
• C. Voir Dire
• D. Peremptory

Answer: (C)

Voir dire is the process of screening prospective jurors before a trial. During this stage, the judge and attorneys ask questions to uncover biases, conflicts of interest, or other factors that might prevent a juror from being impartial. The goal is to build a fair jury by identifying who can and cannot be fair in deciding the case.

From this screening, parties may remove jurors in two common ways. A challenge for cause is used when a juror cannot be impartial for a stated reason, such as a relationship to a party or a clear bias. A peremptory challenge allows a party to dismiss a juror without giving a reason, though limits exist in how it can be used. The term mistrial, by contrast, refers to ending a trial prematurely due to specific problems, not the selection process itself.