Preliminary
/prɪˈlɪmɪnɛri/
Definitions
- (adj.) Denoting an action or event that precedes or is done in preparation for the main proceeding.
The court held a preliminary hearing to determine if the case should proceed.
- (n.) An initial step or measure taken before the main legal process.
The lawyer filed a preliminary to challenge the evidence.
Forms
- preliminaries
Commentary
Used to describe early procedural steps; in drafting, clarify its precise role to avoid ambiguity with main proceedings.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.