The process of jury selection in the U.S. is referred to as "voir dire;" can anyone tell me what language this expression comes from and what the two words mean, literally, in that language?
Thank you for your help.
Joe Conrad
2006-07-29 08:15:01 · 8 answers · asked by Joe Conrad 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
"Voir" is french for "to see" and "Dire" is french for "to speak". This loosely translates into "tell what you see" and since "eyes don't lie" the expression is interpreted to mean "speak the truth"
PS: to the other posters: It's not latin! learn basic French :P
2006-07-29 08:25:29 · answer #1 · answered by Emmasgotatemper 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The phrase "voir dire" derives from Middle French; in modern English it is interpreted to mean "speak the truth" and generally refers to the process by which prospective jurors are questioned about their backgrounds and potential biases before being invited to sit on a jury.
2006-07-29 08:20:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The phrase "voir dire" derives from Middle French; in modern English it is interpreted to mean "speak the truth".
2006-07-29 08:18:59 · answer #3 · answered by kittens 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, latin for To See Before, and it means that the defense and the prosecution get to review and participate in the process of Jury Selection from a random pool, as opposed to a truly random selection of jurors.
2006-07-29 08:20:22 · answer #4 · answered by Charles D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's Latin and I it means "To speak the truth." It's not just used in jury selection but in any pre-examination of a juror, witness, or expert. It is a preliminary examination into who the person is and how he knows what he claims to know for the purposes of determining whether the person should be allowed a place in the trial.
2006-07-29 08:18:51 · answer #5 · answered by Loss Leader 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's french... and I think that voir means to see and dire means to speak... maybe... but I could be wrong.
2006-07-29 08:18:28 · answer #6 · answered by Arsh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It comes from French and it means "to speak the truth"
2006-07-29 08:18:55 · answer #7 · answered by Princess 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Latin. I think it means Open View. But I am probably wrong and will be vilified shortly. Well I tried.
2006-07-29 08:18:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋