Русско-англо-русский юридический словарь

We checked him out, Ms. Morrone, regardless of what you suggested at the preliminary hearing. (Lisa Scottoline RUNNING FROM THE LAW (2001))

A preliminary hearing allows the court to examine evidence and determine if there is enough evidence for a trial. (KSBY)

In many common law jurisdictions (e.g. England and Wales, Ireland, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore), an indictable offence is an offence which can only be tried on an indictment after a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is a prima facie case to answer or by a grand jury (in contrast to a summary offence). (Wikipedia)

A preliminary hearing is a court proceeding before a criminal trial to determine whether there is sufficient evidence. (FindLaw)