PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION Meaning and
Definition
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A preliminary investigation refers to the initial process of gathering information and conducting an initial examination or inquiry into a matter or situation, typically done by law enforcement agencies or other authorities. It serves as a crucial component of the investigative process that aims to determine whether a specific incident or allegation merits further official attention or legal action.
During a preliminary investigation, investigators gather facts, evidence, and other relevant information to evaluate the circumstances and establish a foundation for future actions. This may involve conducting interviews with involved parties, witnesses, and victims, examining physical evidence, analyzing documents, and documenting details, among other investigative techniques.
The main purpose of a preliminary investigation is to assess the credibility and seriousness of the alleged offense or incident, and potentially identify possible suspects or leads for further investigation. It allows authorities to make informed decisions regarding the allocation of resources, such as whether to pursue a full-scale investigation, file charges, or close the case due to lack of evidence.
While preliminary investigations are typically conducted by law enforcement agencies, they can also be carried out by private investigators, government agencies, or other authorized individuals or organizations. These investigations play a crucial role in the justice system, ensuring that resources are employed efficiently and effectively, and that only cases with significant merit proceed through the criminal justice process.
Common Misspellings for PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION
- oreliminary investigation
- lreliminary investigation
- 0reliminary investigation
- peeliminary investigation
- pdeliminary investigation
- pfeliminary investigation
- pteliminary investigation
- p5eliminary investigation
- p4eliminary investigation
- prwliminary investigation
- prsliminary investigation
- prdliminary investigation
- prrliminary investigation
- pr4liminary investigation
- pr3liminary investigation
- prekiminary investigation
- prepiminary investigation
- preoiminary investigation
- preluminary investigation
- preljminary investigation
Etymology of PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION
The word "preliminary" originates from the Latin word "praeliminaris", which is a combination of "prae" meaning "before" and "limen" meaning "threshold". In Latin, "praeliminaris" means "leading up to the threshold" or "introductory".
The word "investigation" comes from the Latin term "investigatio", which is derived from "investigare", meaning "to track or search for". It combines the prefix "in", signifying "into" or "in", with "vestigare", meaning "to track" or "to trace". In this context, "investigation" refers to the act of conducting a systematic inquiry or examination.
By combining these elements, the term "preliminary investigation" refers to the initial or introductory phase of an inquiry or examination.
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