What is the purpose ofvoir dire in the trial process?

The purpose of voir dire in the trial process is to determine if prospective jurors are unbiased and can be impartial. This pre-trial examination allows attorneys to ask potential jurors questions about their backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences to identify any biases that may affect their judgment during the trial. An unbiased jury is crucial for ensuring a fair trial, as jurors must base their decisions solely on the evidence presented in court. Through this process, both the prosecution and the defense have the opportunity to evaluate potential jurors and challenge those they believe may not be able to fulfill their duty impartially.

The other options do not accurately capture the primary role of voir dire. While selecting jurors may include consideration of their backgrounds, it is specifically to assess their impartiality that is the core focus of this process. Finalizing plea agreements and presenting evidence occur at different stages of the legal process and are not part of the voir dire function.