California POST Training Practice Test

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Prepare for the California POST Training Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with explanations. Boost your confidence and increase your chances of passing!

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What is the purpose of a preliminary hearing?

To establish the defendant's guilt
To determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial
To negotiate a plea deal
To sentence the defendant

The correct answer is: To determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial

The purpose of a preliminary hearing is to determine if there is sufficient evidence to justify moving forward to trial. During this hearing, the prosecution presents evidence and witnesses to establish that a reasonable person could believe that the defendant committed the crime. It is not about determining the guilt or innocence of the defendant; that is determined later in a trial. Additionally, the preliminary hearing does not involve negotiating a plea deal or sentencing the defendant, which occur at different stages in the judicial process. Therefore, identifying whether there is enough substantive evidence to warrant a trial is the critical function of the preliminary hearing.