In military justice, what happens after the preliminary hearing?

After the preliminary hearing in military justice, a decision is made on whether to proceed to a court-martial. This hearing serves as an initial evaluation of the evidence presented to determine whether there is sufficient probable cause to move forward with charges against the defendant. The outcome of the preliminary hearing is crucial, as it informs the military authorities about the viability of pursuing a case based on the evidence collected. If the evidence indicates that a reasonable person could believe that the accused committed the offense, the case may be recommended for court-martial.

This process emphasizes the importance of due diligence before convening a full court proceeding, ensuring that only cases with adequate evidence move forward, maintaining the integrity of the military justice system.