What is required for a magistrate to hold a defendant at a preliminary hearing?

In a preliminary hearing, a magistrate must determine whether there is sufficient evidence to hold a defendant for trial. This determination hinges on the concept of probable cause. Probable cause means that there is a reasonable basis for believing that a crime may have been committed and that the defendant is linked to that crime. This standard is lower than the standards of beyond a reasonable doubt and clear and convincing evidence, which are used in different contexts, such as during a trial or certain civil proceedings.

In the case of a preliminary hearing, the focus is simply on whether enough evidence exists to proceed with legal action, not on establishing the defendant's guilt. This makes probable cause the appropriate standard, as it allows the legal process to advance based on a reasonable belief rather than definitive proof. This standard helps to ensure that individuals are not unduly held without sufficient justification.