What is the primary function of a preliminary inquiry?

The primary function of a preliminary inquiry is to gather factual evidence for court. This process occurs before a trial and is designed to establish whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the prosecution of the case. It serves to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime, assess the reliability of witnesses, and determine the relevance of the evidence presented. By collecting this information, the preliminary inquiry helps establish whether the case should move forward in the judicial system.

In contrast, determining a final sentence is not associated with the preliminary inquiry, as sentencing occurs only after a trial or plea agreement has been reached. Similarly, assessing a defendant's competency typically falls under a different set of procedures and evaluations, usually happening if there's reason to believe that the defendant is not fit to stand trial. Negotiating plea deals also happens at a different stage in the legal process, typically after the inquiry has taken place and is part of facilitating a resolution without proceeding to full trial.