pretrial

American  

[pree-trahy-uhl, -trahyl] / priˈtraɪ əl, -ˈtraɪl /

noun

1. a proceeding held by a judge, arbitrator, etc., before a trial to simplify the issues of law and fact and stipulate certain matters between the parties, in order to expedite justice and curtail costs at the trial.

---

adjective

1. of or relating to such a proceeding.

2. done, occurring, etc., prior to a trial.

   pretrial publicity.

Etymology

Origin of pretrial

First recorded in 1935–40; pre- + trial

Example Sentences

Under the existing rules, defendants who successfully argue for pretrial mental health diversion spend two years undergoing a court-appointed treatment plan instead of facing a conviction.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2026

But Albany County Circuit Court Judge Robert Sanford, who presided over Kelver’s pretrial hearing, agreed with the prosecutor that there was probable cause that Kelver committed the crimes with which she was charged.

From Slate • Jun. 4, 2026

She spent more than a year in pretrial detention while under investigation for alleged money laundering linked to the Odebrecht corruption scandal.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

The court on Monday unsealed its arrest warrant for Dela Rosa, which it said had been approved by its pretrial chamber in November.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

When the court scheduled a hearing in October 1987 on pretrial motions in Walter's case, Chestnut and Boynton showed up with no expectation that any of their motions would be granted.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson