Which term refers to the collection of evidence to determine whether charges should be formally made against a suspect?

The term that describes the collection of evidence to determine whether formal charges should be made against a suspect is the preliminary hearing. This legal proceeding occurs after a suspect has been charged and involves the judge evaluating the evidence presented to decide if there is enough basis for the charges. During this process, the prosecution must show that enough evidence exists to continue the case, while the defense has the opportunity to question the evidence and argue for dismissal.

In contrast, investigation refers to the broader process of gathering evidence prior to any legal charges being made. An indictment is a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, typically issued after an investigation and often following a grand jury's review of evidence. An arrest warrant is a legal document that authorizes law enforcement to arrest a specific individual for allegations of a crime, but it does not encompass the evaluation of evidence for formal charges in the same way a preliminary hearing does. Thus, the preliminary hearing is the appropriate term for the scenario described.