What is an "evidentiary hearing"?

An evidentiary hearing is specifically designed to assess the admissibility of evidence that may be presented in a trial. During this type of hearing, the judge evaluates whether the evidence meets certain legal thresholds and standards—such as relevance, reliability, and whether it complies with applicable rules of evidence. This process is crucial because it ensures that only evidence that is deemed permissible according to legal standards can be used in court, thereby helping to uphold the integrity of the judicial process.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately describe the purpose of an evidentiary hearing. For example, hearings for filing motions concerning criminal charges involve procedural matters rather than directly evaluating evidence. Discussions about trial schedules focus on logistical arrangements rather than evidence assessment. Lastly, sessions for jury deliberation occur after a trial has concluded, where jurors make decisions based on the evidence presented, rather than assessing that evidence itself in the context of admissibility.