What is the primary purpose of a Preliminary Hearing?

• A. To set the trial date
• B. To hear appeals
• C. To review evidence, determine probable cause, jurisdiction, and confirm offenses under the UCMJ
• D. To determine punishment

Answer: (C)

The Preliminary Hearing exists to decide whether there is enough reason to move forward with a court-martial and to confirm the basic legal footing of the case: is there probable cause to believe the accused committed the offenses, does the military court have jurisdiction, and are the offenses properly charged under the UCMJ. This step is about charging validity and the authority to proceed, not about guilt, sentencing, or timing.

It’s not used to set the trial date, hear appeals, or determine punishment. Those steps come later: scheduling happens after charges are chosen, appeals occur after a verdict or sentence, and punishment is decided at or after trial.