PRELIMINARY HEARING

preliminary hearing. A criminal hearing (usu. conducted by a magistrate) to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to prosecute an accused person. • If sufficient evidence exists, the case will be set for trial or bound over for grand-jury review, or an information will be filed in the trial court. — Also termed preliminary examination; probable-cause hearing; bindover hearing; examining trial. Cf. ARRAIGNMENT. [Cases: Criminal Law 222–238. C.J.S. Criminal Law §§ 282, 339–350.]

[Blacks Law 8th]