pretrial
/priːˈtraɪəl/
adjective
- Relating to the period or proceedings before a trial in a court of law.
- The judge issued a pretrial order to limit what could be presented in court.
- The lawyers met for a pretrial hearing to discuss the evidence.
- Pretrial motions can sometimes resolve a case without a full trial.
Synonyms
noun
- A meeting or proceeding that takes place before a trial, often to simplify issues or discuss settlement.
- The attorneys attended a pretrial to review the witness list.
- During the pretrial, the judge encouraged both sides to settle.
- The pretrial lasted only an hour, but it saved weeks of court time.