What is the term for a magistrate's inquiry into a criminal accusation against a person?

The term that refers to a magistrate's inquiry into a criminal accusation against a person is known as an Examining Court. This type of court is tasked with determining whether sufficient evidence exists to formally charge an individual with a crime. The magistrate oversees this inquiry, assessing the evidence presented and ensuring that the rights of the accused are protected throughout the process.

In this context, the Examining Court serves a critical function in the criminal justice system by providing an early opportunity to evaluate the merits of a case before it proceeds to trial. It differs from other judicial proceedings, as its focus is specifically on the preliminary assessment of a criminal accusation rather than on a full trial or the final adjudication of a case.

Other options, such as a Preliminary Hearing, have similar characteristics, but they typically occur after an initial arrest and may not always involve a magistrate in the same capacity. A Grand Jury represents a group of citizens convened to review potential indictments, not an inquiry led by a magistrate. Lastly, a Trial Court is where cases are presented for adjudication following the preliminary stages, including any necessary inquiries or hearings. Therefore, Examining Court is the most accurate term in this context.