Court Reporter Practice Exam

What is the focus of a "voir dire" examination?

1. Judging evidence

2. Choosing a jury

3. Presenting the case

4. Cross-examing witnesses

The correct answer is: Choosing a jury

The focus of a "voir dire" examination is on choosing a jury. During this process, attorneys question potential jurors to uncover biases, preconceptions, and their ability to be impartial in the case at hand. This examination is a critical step in the jury selection process, as it ensures that those selected will be fair and unbiased jurors, ultimately protecting the integrity of the trial. It allows both sides to assess the suitability of jurors based on their responses, backgrounds, and viewpoints relevant to the case. The other options pertain to different stages of a legal proceeding. Judging evidence relates to the role of the judge during a trial. Presenting the case concerns the process of delivering arguments and evidence during the actual trial, and cross-examining witnesses involves questioning witnesses after they have given their testimony to test the credibility and reliability of their statements. Each of these is vital to a trial but occurs after the jury has already been selected through the voir dire process.