How does the CCP handle "preliminary hearings"?

The correct response is that preliminary hearings are conducted to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to charge a defendant with a crime. This process is a critical step in the criminal justice system, designed to protect individuals from wrongful prosecution. During a preliminary hearing, the prosecution presents evidence to a judge, who assesses whether this evidence is strong enough to warrant moving forward with formal charges.

This hearing does not involve a full trial; instead, it focuses on establishing probable cause. The defense may have the opportunity to challenge the evidence presented but is not presenting a full case as would be done in a trial. Additionally, preliminary hearings are distinct from the process of jury selection, which is a separate phase of criminal proceedings focused on finding impartial jurors for a trial. This hearing thus serves a vital gatekeeping function, ensuring that only cases with adequate evidence proceed through the judicial system.