What is the purpose of preliminary hearings?

• A. Determine guilt
• B. Determine probable cause to continue case
• C. Schedule trial date
• D. Determine appeals process

Answer: (B)

A preliminary hearing tests whether there is probable cause to move the case forward. It isn’t about proving guilt—that happens later at trial with a much higher standard of proof. At the hearing, the prosecution presents enough evidence to show that a crime may have occurred and that the defendant may have been involved, and the defense can challenge that evidence. The judge decides whether the probable cause threshold is met to bind the case over for arraignment and eventual trial. If probable cause isn’t shown, charges can be dismissed or reduced, sparing the defendant from a winding, baseless prosecution.