{"id":10188,"date":"2024-06-27T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-27T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/droit-criminel.ca\/quel-est-lenjeu-dune-enquete-preliminaire\/"},"modified":"2025-10-24T02:35:57","modified_gmt":"2025-10-24T06:35:57","slug":"what-is-the-purpose-of-a-preliminary-inquiry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/droit-criminel.ca\/en\/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-preliminary-inquiry\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the purpose of a preliminary inquiry?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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From arrest to sentencing, a criminal proceeding involves multiple steps. One of the most crucial stages is the preliminary inquiry. Indeed, this hearing determines whether the prosecution will proceed to trial or not.<\/p>

What is a Preliminary Inquiry?<\/h2>

A preliminary inquiry is a hearing held after the bail hearing, during which the prosecution presents its evidence to a judge so that the judge can assess its relevance and the legitimacy of proceeding to trial. In Quebec, a preliminary inquiry is always conducted before a judge of the Quebec Court. The judge\u2019s role is not to determine the accused\u2019s guilt but to decide whether the evidence gathered by the prosecutor is sufficient and legally valid to bring the accused to trial.<\/p>

Two conditions must be met for a preliminary inquiry to proceed: the request must be made by the defense lawyer<\/a> or the Crown prosecutor, and the nature of the offense must be serious.<\/p>

The Different Stages of a Preliminary Inquiry<\/h2>

Presentation of the Prosecution\u2019s Evidence<\/h3>

The first stage of a preliminary inquiry is the presentation of evidence collected by the prosecution to the presiding judge. The prosecution must present all documents, testimonies, and other evidence proving that the accused committed the alleged offense(s). However, the inquiry judge is not required to judge the quality of this evidence; the judge relies solely on its existence to make a decision.<\/p>

The Defense\u2019s Response<\/h3>

During a preliminary inquiry, the defense is rarely allowed to present evidence proving the accused\u2019s innocence. However, the accused\u2019s lawyer is responsible for cross-examining the prosecution\u2019s witnesses and challenging the evidence to create doubt in the judge\u2019s mind and influence the decision.<\/p>

The Judge\u2019s Verdict<\/h3>

After hearing the prosecution\u2019s evidence and the defense\u2019s arguments, the preliminary inquiry judge must decide whether the accused will face a trial<\/a> or not.<\/p>

If the verdict is positive, the accused will face trial, where the charges will be heard before a different judge. In some cases, the preliminary inquiry judge may add additional charges if other offenses are discovered during the inquiry. For example, a burglar could be charged with theft as well as physical and\/or verbal assault if violence was used to commit the crime.<\/p>

If the verdict is negative, the charges against the accused will be dropped due to insufficient evidence. The accused will then be free and spared from any financial or custodial consequences.<\/p>

Key Takeaways About the Purpose of a Preliminary Inquiry<\/h2>

The preliminary inquiry is a decisive step in the criminal prosecution process<\/a>. It is a critical stage because it presents the prosecution\u2019s evidence and determines whether a trial will take place. However, the preliminary inquiry does not judge the guilt of the accused.<\/p>

If you are facing charges, it is important to secure your defense. Me Val\u00e9rie Riendeau<\/a> is a criminal law specialist who can gather the necessary information to defend you effectively. Do not hesitate to request a free consultation now by contacting our firm<\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From arrest to sentencing, a criminal proceeding involves multiple steps. One of the most crucial stages is the preliminary inquiry. Indeed, this hearing determines whether the prosecution will proceed to trial or not. What is a Preliminary Inquiry? 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