Which of the following is the first step in the order of a trial?

The first step in the order of a trial is voir dire, which refers to the process of selecting a jury. This critical phase involves questioning potential jurors to ensure they can be impartial and fair in their judgment. During voir dire, attorneys for both sides have the opportunity to evaluate jurors' backgrounds, beliefs, and any potential biases that could affect their ability to serve on the jury.

This selection process is crucial because it sets the foundation for how the trial will proceed, ensuring that an unbiased jury is chosen to hear the evidence and render a verdict. It helps to uphold the integrity of the legal process by allowing both parties to express concerns about particular jurors, leading to a more fair trial.

Understanding this step is essential, as it precedes all other trial activities, including the presentation of evidence, arguments, and jury deliberation, which occur once the jury has been selected and sworn in.