Legal Definitions - twelve-day rule

The twelve-day rule is a legal requirement in some jurisdictions that mandates a preliminary examination for a person charged with a felony within 12 days of their arraignment on the original warrant.

For example, if someone is arrested for a felony and brought before a judge for arraignment on January 1st, the preliminary examination must take place no later than January 13th.

This rule is in place to ensure that individuals charged with a felony are not held in custody for an extended period without a proper hearing. It also allows for a timely determination of probable cause, which is necessary for the case to proceed to trial.