arraignment
uh-RAYN-muhnt
/əˈreɪn.mənt/
A formal court hearing where a defendant is read the charges against them and asked to enter a plea.
This is the very first step in a criminal or serious traffic case, focusing purely on the charges and the plea, not on presenting evidence or trials.
The story behind the word. Arraignment comes from the Old French 'arainier', which meant 'to call to account' or 'to speak to'. This was derived from the Latin 'ad rationem', literally meaning 'to bring to reason'. When you are arraigned, the court is demanding that you stand up and give a reasonable account of your actions.
Word relationships
- hearing: A hearing is a general term for any court proceeding, whereas an arraignment is specifically the initial session where charges are read and pleas are entered.
Commonly confused with
- indictment: An indictment is a formal accusation by a grand jury, while an arraignment is the physical hearing where that accusation is read to the defendant.
Word family
- arraign (verb): To call before a court to answer a criminal charge.
Collocations
- scheduled arraignment
- appear for arraignment
- formal arraignment
- waive arraignment
Example sentences
- "At his arraignment yesterday, the driver pleaded not guilty to the charge of reckless driving." A court reporter describing a high-profile traffic case.
- "The defendant must appear at the arraignment to ensure they understand their constitutional rights." A legal handbook explaining court procedures.
Memory hook
Think of 'arraign' as putting someone in the 'rain' of charges. They must stand there and decide how to shelter themselves with a plea. Arraignment is when they arrange the charges and ask for your plea.
When not to use
Do not use for informal, out-of-court settlements or routine payments of minor tickets at a clerk's window.
Fun facts
- In many minor traffic cases, defendants can waive their formal arraignment by simply submitting their plea in writing or online, saving a trip to the courthouse.
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