What is the purpose of a preliminary hearing?

The purpose of a preliminary hearing is to determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. During this hearing, the judge evaluates the evidence presented by the prosecution to decide if it meets the legal standard of probable cause. This means that there must be enough evidence for a reasonable person to believe that the defendant might have committed the crime. At this stage, the defense does not present its case, nor is a determination of guilt or innocence made; that takes place during the trial itself.

This step is crucial in the criminal justice process as it protects individuals from being subjected to unnecessary trials if there is not enough evidence to warrant the charges. If the judge finds that sufficient evidence exists, the case moves forward to trial.