Final answer:
The Probable Cause Panel receives evidence from law enforcement or prosecutors that supports the initiation of legal proceedings. Hearings may be held to determine the admissibility of such evidence. If no plea agreement is reached, jury selection follows to ensure a fair trial.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Probable Cause Panel is a component of the criminal justice system related to the pre-trial procedures. When discussing the panel's interactions with the Department, it typically refers to the stage in the legal process where the panel receives information or evidence from the prosecutors or law enforcement agencies that justify the initiation of a legal action or proceeding against an individual. In the criminal justice process, as described in 'Criminal Justice: Theory Meets Practice', hearings play an important role in determining the admissibility of evidence, informing individuals of their rights, and accepting pleas.
Jury selection is another critical stage if the case proceeds to trial without a plea agreement. Here, a pool of potential jurors is evaluated for impartiality to ensure a fair trial. The trial itself assesses whether the evidence presented by the prosecutors establishes guilt 'beyond a reasonable doubt' or not.