What is the difference between a trial and a hearing?

A trial and a hearing are two different types of court procedures in Tennessee. A trial is when the court hears the evidence in a case and determines if a defendant is guilty or not guilty. This happens in front of a jury. The jury then makes the decision based on the evidence presented. A hearing is a much less formal court procedure. It can be scheduled by either the defendant or the prosecutor to determine whether there is enough evidence in the case to proceed with a trial. During a hearing, both the defendant and the prosecutor present their arguments and evidence. The judge then reviews the evidence and decides whether or not the case should proceed to a trial. The main difference between a trial and a hearing is the level of formality. A trial is more formal and has higher stakes, while a hearing is more informal and allows for less evidence to be considered. Additionally, in a hearing, the decision of the judge is not binding, and the case may still proceed to a trial regardless of their verdict. In a trial, however, the decision of the jury is binding, and depending on their verdict, the defendant may be found either guilty or not guilty.

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