Arraignment

A proceeding in which a criminal defendant is brought into court, told of the charges in an indictment or information, and asked to plead guilty or not guilty.

Source: U.S. Courts

The hearing at which the accused is brought before the court to plead to the criminal charge in the indictment. He may plead "guilty," "not guilty," or where permitted "nolo contendere." (See Preliminary Hearing.)

Source: U.S. Courts

The formal, in-court reading of the charges and specifications to the accused (or the waiver of the reading), coupled with the request that the accused enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.

Source: Judge Advocate General

When a person that is accused of committing a crime is:

• taken to court,
• told about the charges, and
• asked to plead "guilty" or "not guilty."

Source: California Courts.

Last reviewed October 2022