Under what circumstances are pre-trial conferences required?

Pre-trial conferences are required in scenarios where the trial is expected to be lengthy, specifically when matters are scheduled to take more than a certain number of days, typically eight. The purpose of these conferences is to facilitate a more efficient trial process by allowing the court and the parties to address logistical issues, clarify points of contention, and discuss the presentation of evidence. This helps streamline the proceedings, ensuring that both the court's time and the resources of the parties involved are used effectively.

In contrast, a requirement for pre-trial conferences in all criminal cases would be excessive and not practical, as many cases are resolved quickly without the need for extensive deliberations. Minor offenses usually do not warrant such detailed pre-trial proceedings, and the request for a conference only by the accused does not reflect the proactive nature of the judicial process intended to manage court schedules and ensure fair trials.