Quick question!

[TAP94]

If someone could help me out, that would be great!
I was just wondering whether directions hearings were used in both civil and criminal cases?
Thank you.

[Shaye]

No they are not.

Civil trials use directions hearings to set up a timetable for future steps in pre-trial procedures. It is heard before a judge or an associate judge.

Criminal trials have commital hearings to determine whether a prima facie case exists.

No evidence is disclosed in a directions hearing it is merely a hearing designed to allocate a date for trial, whereas a commital hearing, evidence against the accused is shared. This helps them determine their plea.

Hope this helps!

[meganrobyn]

Sorry, they are actually used in both. Committals and directions have different processes and purposes, though.

The difference is that you don't *need* to know the detail on criminal directions hearings because they're not on the study design anymore.

[TAP94]

Thank you both for your help. Greatly appreciated!