Final answer:
Final answer:
Committal hearings are held for serious offences, generally felonies, to inform the accused of charges, confirm their rights, enter a plea, and determine the admissibility of evidence. Their main purpose is to decide whether there is enough evidence to warrant a trial. These hearings ensure the accused's rights to due process, in line with Constitutional protections.
Step-by-step explanation:
A committal hearing is a preliminary step in the legal process of a criminal case and is held for serious offences, typically felonies. During this hearing, the judge informs the accused of the charges, ensures they understand their right to counsel, and receives their plea. Additionally, the judge will rule on the admissibility of evidence that prosecutors have gathered.
In the United States, the Fifth Amendment requires that capital and "otherwise infamous" crimes be prosecuted only after indictment by a grand jury, with the exception of cases involving the military during times of war or public danger. For less serious crimes, a grand jury proceeding is not required, and many states opt for a preliminary hearing before a judge instead.
It is only after a committal hearing where a judge has determined that there is enough evidence to proceed that a case moves forward to trial. If a defendant is found not guilty after the trial, they are released immediately unless other charges are pending.