What is the primary purpose of a pre-trial conference?

The primary purpose of a pre-trial conference is to encourage settlement and clarify issues. This conference serves as a valuable opportunity for the parties involved in a legal dispute to come together and discuss the various aspects of the case before it reaches trial. During this meeting, the parties, often with the assistance of a judge, can identify and narrow down the key issues that need resolution, which can streamline the trial process if it does go forward.

Moreover, the pre-trial conference is also focused on promoting settlement discussions. Many cases are resolved before reaching trial through negotiations that occur during these conferences. By encouraging settlement, the court aims to reduce the burden on the legal system and provide a means for parties to avoid the uncertainty and costs associated with a trial.

In contrast, finalizing the trial date, while often discussed, is not the primary focus of the conference; it's merely a procedural element. Collecting evidence and presenting expert witness testimonies are activities typically conducted during the trial itself rather than in the pre-trial phase. Therefore, the emphasis on settlement and clarification of issues is what distinctly characterizes the pre-trial conference.