(1) A pre-trial hearing is to be held if the court so orders ¾

(a) at a status hearing;

(b) on the application of a party at any time before trial; or

(c) on its own initiative at any time before trial.

(2) A judge must preside at a pre-trial hearing.

(3) At a pre-trial hearing the court may ¾

(a) exercise any of its powers under the CPA section 98, 131, 132 or 133;

(b) make an order under the CPA section 138;

(c) give directions for the use at trial of charts, summaries or other explanatory documents to aid comprehension of evidence to be given at the trial;

(d) with the consent of the parties, and where the court thinks it desirable and convenient to do so, direct that evidence be given at the trial other than strictly in accordance with the laws of evidence;

(e) deal with the return of a witness summons to produce a record or thing;

(f) deal with an application to set aside a witness summons;

(g) give directions for obtaining and using an interpreter at trial;

(h) give directions under the CPA section 109 for the holding of a view;

(i) decide any question of law arising in relation to the indictment;

(j) decide any questions of evidence or procedure;

(k) deal with an application or make orders under the Evidence Act 1906 in respect of children or special witnesses;

(l) adjourn the pre-trial hearing from time to time.

(4) At the conclusion of the pre-trial hearing the proceedings are to be adjourned to the date of the trial.