What does a preliminary examination determine?

A preliminary examination serves as a crucial step in the criminal justice process, focused primarily on determining whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a case. The core objective is to assess whether probable cause exists regarding the commission of a crime. This means that during the preliminary examination, the court evaluates whether sufficient evidence can support the allegation that a specific crime has occurred.

This examination does not delve into the defendant's guilt or innocence—that is reserved for the trial phase. It does not determine the specific punishment, as sentencing is only determined after a conviction. Additionally, the legality of the arrest may be reviewed in some contexts but is not the primary focus of a preliminary examination. Thus, the essence of the preliminary examination lies in establishing whether there is a reasonable basis to hold the defendant for trial, which is why identifying whether the crime was committed and if there is probable cause is the correct answer.