What does "voir dire" refer to in a trial?

"Voir dire" refers to the process of selecting a jury. It is a critical stage in trial proceedings where potential jurors are questioned by the attorneys and the judge to determine their suitability for serving on a jury in a particular case. During this process, lawyers seek to identify any biases or preconceived notions that prospective jurors may have, ensuring that the jury is impartial and can fairly evaluate the evidence presented in the trial. This process helps to uphold the legal principle of a fair trial and is essential for ensuring that the jurors selected are capable of rendering a just verdict based solely on the facts of the case rather than outside influences.

The other options relate to different phases of the trial process but do not accurately represent what "voir dire" specifically entails. For instance, the reading of charges pertains to informing the defendant of the allegations against them, while the presentation of evidence involves the actual trial proceedings where evidence is shown to the jury. The sentencing phase occurs after a verdict has been reached and is not related to jury selection.