Law Society of Ontario (LSO) Paralegal Practice Exam

What does a voir dire prevent in the trial process?

1. It prevents bias from influencing jurors

2. It prevents irrelevant information from reaching the jury

3. It prevents witnesses from testifying

4. It prevents jurors from discussing the case

The correct answer is: It prevents irrelevant information from reaching the jury

In the trial process, a voir dire serves as a critical procedure where the admissibility of evidence is determined before it reaches the jury. This process specifically prevents irrelevant or prejudicial information from being presented to the jury, ensuring that their decision-making is based solely on material that is pertinent to the case at hand. During a voir dire, a judge evaluates whether certain evidence meets legal thresholds, such as relevance and reliability, before it can influence the jury's perception of the case. This safeguards the fairness of the trial by keeping extraneous information, which could lead to biased or unfair judgments, away from the jurors. By maintaining the integrity of the trial and eliminating distractions, voir dire helps to preserve the legal standards expected in judicial proceedings.