Evidence in a preliminary hearing can be used in trial for what purpose?

• A. To impeach in trial
• B. To sentence
• C. To determine guilt
• D. To grant bail

Answer: (A)

Evidence from a preliminary hearing can be used at trial to challenge a witness’s credibility. Since that testimony was given under oath, if the witness later testifies differently, the prior sworn statements can be used to impeach and cast doubt on the reliability of their trial testimony. This helps the jury weigh what the witness says at trial. The preliminary hearing’s purpose is not to convict or sentence, and bail decisions are made on other factors, so those uses don’t apply to the evidence from the preliminary stage.