What is the purpose of voir dire in a trial?

The primary purpose of voir dire is to question and select jurors who will serve on a trial. This process allows both the prosecution and defense to evaluate potential jurors, ensuring that the selected individuals can remain impartial and are capable of delivering a fair verdict based on the evidence presented during the trial. During voir dire, attorneys may ask questions about jurors’ backgrounds, beliefs, and any potential biases that could affect their judgment. This step is crucial in upholding the integrity of the trial process and ensuring a fair representation of the community on the jury.

The other options relate to different aspects of the trial process. Instructing the jury about relevant laws is handled later in the trial, typically during jury instructions, while summarizing evidence is done during closing arguments. Opening statements occur at the beginning of the trial, setting the stage for the case but not involving the selection of jurors.