preliminary investigation
Early fact-finding stage
A preliminary investigation is an initial inquiry to determine whether a matter warrants further examination.
In legal contexts, it establishes whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed with formal charges: The preliminary investigation found no grounds for prosecution.
More broadly, it's any early-stage assessment before committing resources to a full investigation.
- first lookInitial viewing opportunity
- probable causeLegal threshold for searches
- feasibility studyAssessment of project practicality
- witness interviewsQuestioning those who observed
- evidence collectionSecuring items for prosecution
crime scene analysis · ground zero · forensic analysis · smoking gun · cold case · due diligence · chain of custody · paper trail · literature review · risk assessment · red flags · field observation · experimental design · fact-finding · market analysis · lead generation · financial audit · background check
preliminary investigationtrial
Judicial examination of claims
criminal trial · adjudication · judgment · sentencing · verdict
preliminary investigationfinal judgment
Conclusive court resolution
binding decision · court decision · sentence · conviction · acquittal
preliminary, investigation, prelim, investigate, investigator, investigators, investigations, investigative, investigating