Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Definition: The process of questioning and selecting jurors for a trial. During voir dire, attorneys for both sides question potential jurors to identify bias and select an impartial panel.
Category: Court Process · Statute: Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.300 · Source: Florida Legislature
How Voir Dire Works in Florida
- A pool of potential jurors is summoned to the courthouse
- The judge asks general questions about availability and hardships
- Attorneys question potential jurors about biases, experiences, and attitudes
- Each side can remove jurors for cause (demonstrated bias) — unlimited
- Each side has a limited number of peremptory challenges (no reason needed)
Peremptory Challenges in Florida
- Capital cases — 10 per side
- Other felonies — 6 per side
- Misdemeanors — 3 per side
Why Voir Dire Matters
Jury selection often determines the outcome of a trial more than the evidence itself. Experienced defense attorneys use voir dire to identify jurors who may be sympathetic to the defense or hostile to the prosecution.