If from the evidence it appears that there is probable cause to believe that an offense has been committed and that the defendant committed it, the committing magistrate shall forthwith hold him to answer in the trial court of the county having jurisdiction of the offense. The defendant may cross–examine witnesses against him and may introduce evidence in his own behalf. The rules of evidence shall apply, except that an objection to evidence on the ground that it was acquired by unlawful means is not properly made at the preliminary hearing. Motions to suppress such evidence must be made to the trial court as provided in §§ 23A-8-3 to 23A-8-9, inclusive.

Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 23A-4-6

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Preliminary hearing: A hearing where the judge decides whether there is enough evidence to make the defendant have a trial.
  • Probable cause: A reasonable ground for belief that the offender violated a specific law.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.

Source: SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, §§ 34.1404, 34.1407; SDCL, §§ 23-27-9, 23-27-16; SL 1978, ch 178, § 41; SL 1979, ch 159, § 2.

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