pretrial
n. countable C1 Advanced US //pɹiˈtɹaɪəɫ// UK //pɹiːtɹˈaɪəl// pre·tri·al
n. a meeting or hearing that happens before a trial starts. It is used to discuss things like evidence and witness lists so the trial can go smoothly.
n. a hearing or proceeding held before the commencement of a trial to resolve procedural matters or determine the admissibility of evidence.
The judge held a pretrial to discuss the evidence.
During the pretrial, both lawyers agreed on which witnesses would be allowed to testify during the main trial.
The defense attorney filed a motion to exclude certain digital evidence, which was addressed during the pretrial hearing to avoid wasting time during the actual jury proceedings.