Which of the following is NOT a step in conducting a preliminary inquiry?

In a preliminary inquiry, the primary objective is to determine if there is sufficient evidence to commit a case to trial, rather than to conduct a full trial. This process typically involves several key steps that focus on the presentation of evidence by the prosecution and the opportunity for the defense to respond, but it does not include cross-examining defense witnesses.

Preparations for the inquiry are essential to ensure that all necessary materials and evidence are ready for presentation. Commencing the inquiry is straightforward, as it involves officially starting the proceedings after proper preparations. Preparing submissions comes into play as lawyers need to articulate their positions, whether for the prosecution or the defense, based on the evidence presented.

Cross-examination, while a fundamental component of trials, is not a feature of preliminary inquiries. The defense does not present witnesses to be cross-examined in this context as it is not a trial setting. Instead, the focus remains on assessing whether the evidence presented by the prosecution warrants proceeding to a full trial. Thus, the statement about cross-examination of defense witnesses represents a misunderstanding of the procedural nature of a preliminary inquiry.