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Simple English definitions for legal terms
sidebar conference
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A quick definition of sidebar conference:
A sidebar conference is a conversation between the judge and lawyers that happens during a trial, usually about something that the jury shouldn't hear. It's like a secret meeting where they talk about the rules of the trial or if some evidence should be allowed or not. Sometimes, the judge might also talk to a juror or someone who might be a juror during a sidebar conference. In English law, a sidebar rule is a special order or rule that the court allows without needing a formal request.
A more thorough explanation:
A sidebar conference is a discussion that takes place between the judge and the lawyers involved in a trial. It usually happens when there is an objection to evidence being presented in front of the jury. The discussion takes place outside the hearing of the jury. This is also known as a bench conference.
Another type of sidebar conference is when the judge talks to a juror or a prospective juror during voir dire. Voir dire is the process of selecting a jury for a trial. The judge may want to ask the juror some questions to determine if they are suitable to serve on the jury.
For example, during a trial, a lawyer may object to a piece of evidence being presented to the jury. The judge and the lawyers would then have a sidebar conference to discuss the objection and decide whether or not the evidence can be presented.
Another example is during voir dire, the judge may ask a prospective juror some questions to determine if they have any biases or conflicts of interest that would prevent them from being a fair and impartial juror.
In summary, a sidebar conference is a discussion that takes place between the judge and the lawyers involved in a trial. It usually happens outside the hearing of the jury and is used to resolve objections or to determine the suitability of a juror.