Preliminary Inquiries

Preliminary inquiries are hearings that take place before trial where the prosecution must show that there is sufficient evidence to justify proceedings to trial in the Court of Queen’s Bench. Preliminary inquiries are only allowed for prosecutions of indictable offences that are punishable by 14 years or more of imprisonment.  All preliminary inquiries take place in Provincial Court.   

The following documents relate to the conduct of preliminary inquiries and include a Notice to the Profession and the relevant forms.