What is the purpose of a committal hearing? (A) To charge the accused (B) To establish the state's case (C) To enter into charge negotiation (D) To empanel a jury from the electoral roll - HSC - SSCE Legal Studies - Question 2 - 2012 - Paper 1

The primary purpose of a committal hearing is to establish the state's case against the accused. During this hearing, the prosecution must demonstrate enough evidence to justify proceeding to trial. It’s not merely about charging the accused, which typically occurs before the hearing, but about confirming that there is sufficient evidence to support the charges and to protect the accused from ungrounded charges.