Preliminary Hearing

What is Preliminary Hearing?

A magisterial hearing to determine if a person charged with a crime should be held for further prosecution before the state court system. If the prosecutor presents a prima facie case or an elemental case of proof against the accused, the magistrate will process the case to the county courts for further prosecution.

Further Reading

For more detailed information, see our related Evidence terms:

• Standard of Proof
• Statement Against Interest

Reviewed by

Stephanie Bagnall

Licensed Attorney and Legal Researcher

Stephanie Bagnall is a Georgia-licensed attorney and legal researcher with experience in accessibility law, compliance, employment law, and legal writing. She helps develop and review BarPrepHero's Legal Terms content for clarity, accuracy, and usefulness to bar exam students.

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