CEFR C1

preliminary hearing

noun phrase

Meaning

A formal meeting in a court of law where a judge reviews the evidence in a criminal case to decide if there is enough probable cause to proceed to a full trial.

Examples

The defense attorney argued that the prosecution had not presented sufficient evidence at the preliminary hearing.
A preliminary hearing is often held for serious felony charges.

Synonyms: initial review, pre-trial hearing, probable cause hearing, examination for discovery

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preliminary hearing (C1)

noun phrase

Pronunciation: prɪˈlɪmɪnəri ˈhiərɪŋ

Definition

A formal meeting in a court of law where a judge reviews the evidence in a criminal case to decide if there is enough probable cause to proceed to a full trial.

Examples

The defense attorney argued that the prosecution had not presented sufficient evidence at the preliminary hearing.
A preliminary hearing is often held for serious felony charges.
The judge scheduled a preliminary hearing for next month to determine if the case would go to trial.

How to Use preliminary hearing

preliminary hearing for (prepositional phrase): To specify the charge or case for which the hearing is held. — "A preliminary hearing for the embezzlement charges was scheduled."
preliminary hearing on (prepositional phrase): To specify the topic or issue being discussed in the hearing. — "The judge made a ruling on the preliminary hearing on the admissibility of evidence."

Synonyms of preliminary hearing

Words with a similar meaning to preliminary hearing:

Antonyms of preliminary hearing

Words with the opposite meaning to preliminary hearing:

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