What procedure is often used as an alternative to the grand jury

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Preliminary hearings are often used as an alternative to the grand jury, as they serve a similar purpose in determining if there is enough evidence to proceed with a criminal trial. During a preliminary hearing, a judge listens to testimony and reviews evidence to determine if there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the defendant is the one who committed it. This process is more transparent and allows for the defendant or their attorney to cross-examine witnesses and challenge evidence. Additionally, not all states use grand juries, so the preliminary hearing serves as the primary way to determine if a case should proceed to trial in those jurisdictions.

What Procedure Is Often Used as an Alternative to the Grand