Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

In a murder case where a husband kills his wife, what is the first legal proceeding?

1. Grand Jury

2. Preliminary Hearing in JDRC

3. Trial in Circuit Court

4. Civil Suit

The correct answer is: Preliminary Hearing in JDRC

The first legal proceeding in a murder case typically involves a preliminary hearing, which is designed to determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. This hearing occurs soon after the arrest and charges are formally filed. During the preliminary hearing, the prosecution must present evidence to establish probable cause that the defendant committed the alleged crime. This stage is essential because it allows the court to assess the strength of the evidence without the formality of a full trial. If the judge finds sufficient evidence, the case is bound over to the circuit court for trial. The preliminary hearing is also significant because it provides the defendant an opportunity to hear the evidence against them and to prepare a defense. While a grand jury can be involved in certain jurisdictions for serious crimes, it is not always the first step in every murder case. A trial in circuit court follows proceedings such as a preliminary hearing, and a civil suit is entirely separate from criminal proceedings and wouldn't be applicable in this context. Therefore, the preliminary hearing is the correct answer as it represents the initial legal step in the judicial process for serious criminal charges like murder.