In which phase does the magistrate decide if a crime was committed and probable cause existed?

The correct answer is the preliminary hearing phase. During this phase, the magistrate evaluates whether there is enough evidence to establish that a crime was committed and whether there is probable cause to believe that the defendant committed that crime. This process involves a review of the evidence presented by the prosecution to determine whether it meets the legal threshold for moving forward with charges.

In contrast, the trial phase is a more comprehensive procedure where the case is fully presented before a jury or judge, and guilt or innocence is determined. The initial appearance is primarily focused on informing the accused of the charges and their rights, often including bail considerations, rather than assessing evidence or probable cause. The grand jury process involves a group of citizens reviewing evidence to decide whether to issue an indictment, but this does not occur in the same structured hearing format as the preliminary hearing. Thus, the preliminary hearing uniquely serves to assess evidence and probable cause at this early stage in the judicial process.