a preliminary hearing in a magistrates' court to decide if there is a case to answer
Examples of 'committal proceedings' in a sentence
committal proceedings
`These are only committal proceedings ," said Henry firmly.
Aird, Catherine A DEAD LIBERTY
The bargain might have collapsed at committal proceedings.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The committal proceedings are expected to take at least two weeks.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
As a result, restrictions on reporting committal proceedings were introduced in 1967.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The better course would have been for another judge to have heard the committal proceedings.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Committal proceedings play a historic role in ensuring that a defendant is not sent to trial if there is insufficient evidence against him or her.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Originally the committal proceedings were almost trials in themselves, with the case put by the prosecution but the defence usually keeping its powder dry.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
He concluded that the rules did apply to committal proceedings and would impose notice requirements on the prosecutor.