pretrial

[ pree-trahy-uhl, -trahyl ]

/ priˈtraɪ əl, -ˈtraɪl /

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noun

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

of or relating to such a proceeding.

done, occurring, etc., prior to a trial: pretrial publicity.

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Origin of pretrial

First recorded in 1935–40; pre- + trial

Words nearby pretrial

pretonic, pretor, Pretoria, Pretorius, pretreat, pretrial, prettify, pretty, pretty as a picture, pretty much, pretty-pretty

How to use pretrial in a sentence

A pretrial services report had recommended Williams’s release, but the government contends Williams presents a flight risk and could obstruct or try to obstruct justice.
Woman charged with helping to steal laptop from Pelosi’s office during Capitol riot|Christine Spolar, Hannah Knowles, Spencer Hsu|January 20, 2021|Washington Post
Since her November 2019 arrest for covering immigration and human rights in Cairo, state prosecutors have filed additional charges for crimes allegedly committed while in pretrial detention.
Journalists faced new threats in 2020. These 10 and countless others deserve justice|lbelanger225|January 4, 2021|Fortune
In August, Egyptian state prosecutors filed additional charges against Solafa Magdy, who has been held in pretrial detention since November.
These 10 female journalists deserve justice immediately|Brett Haensel|October 1, 2020|Fortune
Rabner, the attorney general who wrote the 2007 guide, amplified the law’s emphasis against the use of pretrial intervention.
How Criminal Cops Often Avoid Jail|by Andrew Ford, Asbury Park Press|September 23, 2020|ProPublica

The investigation by the Press and ProPublica found 14 officers who received pretrial intervention in the five years examined.
How Criminal Cops Often Avoid Jail|by Andrew Ford, Asbury Park Press|September 23, 2020|ProPublica
He is being held in pretrial detention in Baku and faces up to seven years in prison if convicted.
Behind Bars for the Holidays: 11 Political Prisoners We Want to See Free In 2015|Movements.Org|December 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Ray Rice, who married Janay Rice on March 28, was accepted into a pretrial intervention program to avoid time behind bars in May.
Fact-Checking the Sunday Shows: Sept 14|PunditFact.com|September 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Rice managed to avoid jail time by entering a pretrial diversionary program.
Hey NFL Fans: Ray Rice Isn’t the Problem. You Are.|Steve Almond|July 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
All of the court records of that important pretrial hearing disappeared or were mislaid.
How the ‘Witch Hunt’ Myth Undermined American Justice|Jason Berry|July 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
At present, thousands of businessmen are in pretrial detention in Russia on false charges and at the behest of their competitors.
Ukraine’s Revolutionary Lesson for Russia|David Satter|March 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST