Which term denotes the official process of questioning potential jurors to determine if they are fit to serve?

• A. Interrogatories
• B. Pretrial conference
• C. Voir dire
• D. Deponent

Answer: (C)

Voir dire is the process during which judges and attorneys question prospective jurors to determine their fitness and impartiality to serve on a case. The goal of this questioning is to uncover any biases, experiences, or connections that might affect a juror’s ability to be fair, so an impartial jury can be selected. If potential bias or disqualifying factors are found, jurors can be dismissed for cause or, in many systems, removed through peremptory challenges.

Interrogatories are not about jurors; they’re written questions served on parties in a civil case to obtain factual information. A pretrial conference is a meeting before trial to discuss issues like timelines and procedures. A deponent is someone who gives testimony in a deposition, not someone who sits on a jury.