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Formal
IVT
voir dire
Pronunciation: vwar DEER
Pretrial examination of potential expert witnesses to determine their qualifications and admissibility.
Full Definition
A preliminary hearing where the court examines the qualifications, methodology, and reliability of proposed expert testimony before allowing it to be presented to the jury. In forensic psychiatry cases, voir dire often involves detailed questioning about the expert's credentials, the scientific basis of their opinions, and adherence to professional standards. The process helps ensure that only reliable expert testimony reaches the jury.
Usage
Usage note: Do not italicize as term is fully adopted into legal English.
In Context
- "During voir dire, the forensic psychiatrist defended her use of structured assessment instruments." — Court proceeding
- "The judge excluded the testimony after a lengthy voir dire examination revealed methodological flaws." — Judicial ruling
Also known as
qualification hearing
admissibility hearing
Don't confuse with
Daubert hearing
jury selection