A hearing to determine whether or not there is enough evidence against the accused to justify holding a trial. Pre-sentence report A description of the offender’s background and personal situation, prepared by a probation officer. The judge may request it to help decide an appropriate sentence. Probation A sentence given to a person convicted of an offence that requires the person to obey certain conditions. It does not require the person to pay a fine or spend time in jail. Prosecute To conduct legal proceedings against a person charged with a criminal offence. Psychiatric assessment A description of the accused’s state of mind, prepared by a mental health professional. The judge considers it when deciding if the accused can stand trial.