What is the term for the process of questioning potential jurors called?

The process of questioning potential jurors is called voir dire. This term comes from the French phrase meaning "to speak the truth." During voir dire, attorneys for both sides, as well as the judge, have the opportunity to assess the suitability of jurors for a specific case. This includes asking questions to uncover any biases, preconceptions, or other factors that could influence a juror's ability to render an impartial verdict.

This procedure aims to ensure that jurors selected for the trial can fairly evaluate the evidence and make decisions based solely on the facts presented in court. By including this step in the jury selection process, the legal system helps maintain the integrity of trials and protects the rights of both defendants and plaintiffs.

The other terms in the options refer to different legal concepts. Jury nullification occurs when a jury disregards the law and acquits a defendant despite evidence of guilt. Cross-examination is the questioning of a witness by the opposing side during a trial. A deposition is a legal process where a witness provides sworn out-of-court testimony, usually prior to trial. Each of these plays a distinct role in the legal process, separate from the jury selection phase represented by voir dire.