What is a "preliminary inquiry" in the criminal justice process?

A preliminary inquiry serves a critical function in the criminal justice process by allowing a judge to evaluate whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant a trial. During this session, often referred to as a hearing, the prosecution presents its evidence, and the defense may challenge its adequacy. The primary goal is to determine if the evidence, when viewed in the light most favorable to the prosecution, could lead a reasonable jury to find the accused guilty of the charges brought against them.

If the judge finds that there is enough evidence to proceed, the case moves forward to trial. Conversely, if the evidence is deemed insufficient, the charges may be dismissed. This step helps streamline the judicial process by filtering out cases without a reasonable chance of conviction, ensuring that trials are reserved for cases where evidence is appropriately substantiated.

The other options reflect different stages or elements of the criminal justice process, such as trials or sentencing, but do not capture the specific function of a preliminary inquiry.