What does 'held to answer' mean in a preliminary hearing?

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In the context of a preliminary hearing, "held to answer" refers to the determination by a judge that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with criminal charges against a defendant. This means that after reviewing the evidence presented, the judge believes that there is a reasonable basis for the case to go to trial.

The preliminary hearing serves as a safeguard to protect individuals from being subjected to a trial without adequate evidence against them. If a defendant is "held to answer," it signals that the state has met its burden of showing that there is enough evidence to warrant the case being heard before a jury. This does not indicate a determination of guilt or innocence; rather, it confirms that the legal process can move forward based on the evidence presented during that hearing.

This understanding is critical for grasping the role of preliminary hearings in the judicial system, where the focus is on assessing the adequacy of evidence rather than making determinations of guilt or innocence.

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