Which statement about pre-trials is true?

• A. A pre-trial can be conducted only when the defense or prosecutor requests
• B. A pre-trial can be conducted regardless of requests
• C. A pre-trial is not allowed in any case
• D. A pre-trial must be scheduled by the clerk

Answer: (A)

Pre-trials are a case-management step that get set up when a party asks for one, so issues like motions, discovery, and scheduling can be addressed before trial. The statement that best fits this process is that a pre-trial is conducted only when the defense or the prosecution requests it. This reflects the way these conferences are triggered by a party’s request to the court to resolve or narrow matters ahead of trial.

If a pre-trial could be held without a request, or if it were never allowed, or if the scheduling responsibility lay solely with the clerk, those descriptions don’t match how pre-trials are typically initiated and authorized.