What is the primary purpose of a pretrial motion?

The primary purpose of a pretrial motion is to establish whether to proceed with the trial. Pretrial motions can address various legal and procedural issues that may determine the direction of the case before it ever goes to trial. These motions can include asking the court to dismiss a case, suppress evidence, or compel discovery, among other things. The goal is to clarify legal issues, improve the efficiency of the trial process, and potentially resolve disputes without the need for a full trial, ensuring that only relevant and substantive claims are presented to the court.

The other options provided serve different functions within the legal process. Appealing a verdict occurs after a trial has concluded, and it directly pertains to challenging the outcome rather than preemptively addressing issues before a trial starts. Requesting jury selection is a procedural step that happens closer to the beginning of the trial rather than as part of the pretrial motions, which typically address broader legal issues. Examining evidence after a trial is also outside the scope of pretrial motions, as this relates to post-trial procedures. Therefore, the correct choice effectively encapsulates the primary function of pretrial motions in the litigation process.