Arraignment
Arraignment
Arraignment (/əˈreɪnmənt/) is a formal reading of a criminal charging document in the presence of the defendant, to inform them of the charges they are facing. It is a crucial part of the criminal justice process.
Etymology
The term "arraignment" originates from the Old French word arer meaning "to speak" or "to accuse". It was later anglicized to "arraign" in the 14th century.
Procedure
During an arraignment, the defendant is called before a court to answer the accusation brought against them. The court clerk or judge reads the charges to the defendant, and the defendant is asked to enter a plea. The pleas available are guilty, not guilty, and no contest.
If the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, the judge may impose a sentence at that time or may schedule a later sentencing hearing. If the defendant pleads not guilty, the court will schedule a trial.
Related Terms
- Bail: A set amount of money that acts as insurance between the court and the person in jail (the defendant). Defendants have the option to pay bail in cash, but many cannot do this.
- Plea: A defendant's formal answer in court to the charges brought against them.
- Indictment: A formal accusation that a person has committed a crime.
- Misdemeanor: A criminal offense that is less serious than a felony and more serious than an infraction.
- Felony: A serious crime that carries a punishment of a year or more in prison, or death.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Arraignment
- Wikipedia's article - Arraignment
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