What is the main purpose of a pre-trial conference?

The main purpose of a pre-trial conference is to resolve procedural issues before the trial begins. During this conference, the judge, prosecution, and defense attorneys discuss various matters related to the upcoming trial to ensure that the proceedings can be conducted efficiently and fairly.

This can include establishing timelines for the exchange of evidence and information, addressing motions that need to be ruled upon, clarifying the issues that will be tried, and potentially discussing settlement options or plea bargains. The pre-trial conference is a crucial step in the judicial process, as it helps streamline the trial, reduces delays, and addresses any preliminary concerns that could affect the course of the trial.

The other options relate to different phases of the judicial process: selecting a jury is part of the trial procedure itself, presenting evidence occurs during the trial, and finalizing sentencing happens after a verdict is reached. Thus, these do not align with the primary focus of a pre-trial conference.