pretrial

[pree-trahy-uhl, -trahyl]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pretrial¹

First recorded in 1935–40; pre- + trial

Example Sentences

There are also pretrial motions in which the parties ask judges to dismiss charges and accept or exclude evidence.

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A lawyer for the Angels said in a pretrial hearing that the plaintiffs now seek a judgment of $1 billion, although the lead attorney representing the family said the number is an exaggeration.

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This is because cash bail remains the dominant form of pretrial release.

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All 19 suspects are in pretrial detention facing charges of facilitating irregular immigration, homicide, assault and torture.

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A state court analysis in New Jersey found that “concerns about a possible spike in crime and failures to appear did not materialize” after the state reformed its pretrial release system in 2017.

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