What authority do judges have regarding preliminary investigations?

Judges have the authority to conduct preliminary investigations, which is crucial in the criminal justice process. Preliminary investigations are conducted to determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed with formal charges against an accused individual. This process allows judges to assess the strength of the prosecution's case before it goes to trial.

This authority stems from their role in the judicial system to ensure fairness and justice. If evidence is deemed insufficient during these investigations, judges can dismiss charges, keeping the judicial process from proceeding on weak grounds. This oversight helps maintain the integrity of the legal system, ensuring that only cases with a reasonable basis move forward.

In contrast, the other statements do not accurately reflect the role of judges in the judicial process. Judges do have a significant impact on criminal matters, not just during trials, but also in conducting preliminary investigations. They also do not strictly require a jury for hearings, as the nature of preliminary investigations often allows them to make determinations based on available evidence without a jury present. Thus, the correct understanding of judges' scope of authority includes their capacity to engage in preliminary investigations.