What does a judge determine upon reviewing a complaint?

When a judge reviews a complaint, the primary determination is whether there is probable cause to proceed with the case. Probable cause refers to the reasonable belief that a crime has been committed, and it is necessary for a judge to establish this before allowing further legal actions, such as issuing a warrant or moving forward with charges. This is a crucial step in the legal process, as it helps ensure that individuals are not unjustly accused or prosecuted without sufficient evidence.

In contrast, determining criminal responsibility, jury eligibility, or the ultimate innocence or guilt of a defendant occurs at different stages of the legal process, rather than at the initial review of a complaint. The focus of this review is on assessing the sufficiency of the allegations contained in the complaint to justify further legal action.