What is the purpose of a preliminary hearing?

The purpose of a preliminary hearing is to assess whether there is sufficient evidence to support the charges against a defendant and to justify moving forward with a trial. In this stage, the judge listens to the evidence presented by the prosecution and evaluates it to determine if probable cause exists. If the judge finds that there is enough evidence to proceed, the case will go to trial. This process serves as a critical checkpoint to ensure that cases with insufficient evidence do not require the defendant to endure the stress and implications of a full trial.

Other options do not accurately reflect the function of a preliminary hearing. For instance, it does not determine the defendant's guilt or innocence, as that is reserved for the trial itself. Similarly, it is not intended to establish the final sentence or serve as a forum for plea bargains. The primary focus remains on the adequacy of evidence to support proceeding with legal action.