A legal proceeding conducted in criminal cases to determine if there is sufficient evidence to establish probable cause that a crime has been committed and that the defendant committed it. It serves as a filter, preventing unwarranted prosecutions by ensuring a judge reviews the evidence before a case proceeds to trial. As an example, if an individual is arrested for robbery, this proceeding would involve the prosecution presenting evidence like witness testimony or surveillance footage to convince the judge that there’s a reasonable basis to believe the individual committed the crime.
The significance of this process lies in safeguarding individual liberties. It protects citizens from being subjected to the burden and expense of a full trial based on flimsy or nonexistent evidence. Historically, these hearings emerged as a response to concerns about prosecutorial overreach and the need for a judicial check on the charging process. Furthermore, it often provides the defense with an early opportunity to assess the strength of the prosecution’s case and potentially negotiate a plea agreement.
