In court proceedings, what is the purpose of "voir dire"?

The purpose of "voir dire" in court proceedings is specifically to select and screen jurors for potential biases. During this process, attorneys from both sides ask prospective jurors questions in order to identify any pre-existing opinions or biases that could affect their impartiality when considering the case. This careful selection aims to ensure a fair trial by assembling a jury that can evaluate the evidence objectively and render a verdict based solely on the facts presented during the trial.

This process is crucial because jurors who enter the trial with preconceived notions or biases could undermine the fairness of the judicial process. By addressing potential biases upfront, the court can foster a more balanced jury that is capable of delivering a verdict that reflects the evidence rather than individual preconceptions.

The other choices represent different aspects of court proceedings that do not relate to the purpose of "voir dire." For instance, finalizing the terms of a guilty plea falls under plea negotiations, presenting the prosecution's case pertains to the actual trial process, and determining the admissibility of evidence involves pre-trial motions or hearings. Thus, while all these elements are key to the judicial process, they are distinct from the specific function served by "voir dire."