Meaning & Definition of word "Arraignment"
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Arraignment
/əˈreɪn.mənt/
noun:
- 1. The action of arraigning someone in a court of law; the formal reading of a criminal charging document in the presence of the defendant to inform them of the charges against them.
- Example: The defendant appeared in court for his arraignment on serious felony charges.
- 2. A hearing where the accused is formally charged and asked to enter a plea.
- Example: The arraignment was scheduled to take place the following week.
- 3. An initial court appearance in which a person is called to answer a criminal charge.
- Example: During the arraignment, the judge explained the charges and offered the defendant bail.
- 4. The stage in the legal process when charges are formally presented to the accused.
- Example: At the arraignment, the lawyer advised her client not to plead guilty without understanding the implications.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old French 'araigner' meaning to arrange.
Common Phrases and Expressions
court arraignment:
The formal proceeding in which a defendant is brought before a court.
arraignment hearing:
The specific session in which the arraignment occurs.
post-arraignment:
Refers to events occurring after the arraignment.
Related Words
indictment:
A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime.
plea:
A defendant's answer to a charge in a court of law.
defendant:
An individual accused of a crime in a court of law.
Slang Meanings of arraignment
Meaning: Git arraigned
Example Sentence: I heard he got git arraigned for that traffic violation.