What is the main purpose of a "pre-trial conference"?

The main purpose of a "pre-trial conference" is to discuss issues and clarify matters for trial, encouraging settlement between the parties involved. This conference serves as a platform for the judge and attorneys to outline the details of the upcoming trial, identify the key issues that need to be resolved, and ensure that both sides are prepared. During this process, the judge may encourage the parties to settle disputes prior to the trial, which can lead to a more efficient judicial process.

The pre-trial conference helps in narrowing down the issues, setting the parameters for evidence presentation, and determining what will actually be contested during the trial. Additionally, it allows for the administration of procedural matters and for the judge to emphasize the potential benefits of a settlement, thereby aiming to reduce the burden on the court system and the parties involved.

Finalizing the trial date is often a component of a pre-trial conference but not its main focus. Presenting evidence to a jury occurs during the trial itself, and jury selection happens in a separate process prior to the trial. Thus, option B encompasses the essential objectives of a pre-trial conference while the other options relate to different aspects of the judicial process.