What is a "venire" in the context of jury trials?

In the context of jury trials, a "venire" refers to a panel of prospective jurors who are summoned to court for jury selection. This group is drawn from a larger pool of eligible citizens and is brought together to determine if they can serve on a jury for a specific case. The term originates from the Latin word meaning "to come," reflecting the legal requirement that these individuals appear in court.

The selection process involves questioning the members of the venire to assess their suitability, impartiality, and ability to serve in a particular case. Those who are selected from the venire become the jurors who will ultimately hear the evidence presented in the trial and render a verdict based on that evidence.

Understanding venire is crucial for grasping how jury trials function, as it is the initial step that helps ensure that juries are made up of individuals who are fair and unbiased.