What does court arraignment mean?
What does court arraignment mean
Pronunciation
/ˈkɔrt əˈreɪnmənt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A formal proceeding in a court of law in which a defendant is read the charges against them and asked to enter a plea.
Examples
- The defendant was scheduled for a court arraignment on Friday.
- The prosecutor presented the evidence during the court arraignment.
Synonyms
- Trial
- Hearing
Antonyms
- Dismissal
- Acquittal
Additional Information
Court arraignment is a critical step in the criminal justice process, as it allows the defendant to respond to the charges and begin building their defense. During the arraignment, the defendant may enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The judge may also set bail or schedule a trial date.
In some jurisdictions, a court arraignment may be conducted via video conferencing, allowing defendants to participate remotely. This can be especially useful for defendants who are incarcerated or have limited mobility.
Etymology
The term “arraignment” comes from the Old French “araigner,” meaning “to call to account” or “to accuse.”
Usage Notes
Court arraignment is often used interchangeably with “arraignment,” but technically, “court arraignment” refers to the specific proceeding, while “arraignment” refers to the act of being arraigned.
Cultural References
Court arraignment has been depicted in numerous TV shows and movies, including “Law & Order” and “The Good Wife.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “arraigned on charges of”
- “plead not guilty at arraignment”
Related Words or Phrases
- Trial by jury
- Plea bargain
Collocations
- court arraignment hearing
- arraignment court date
Frequency of Use
Court arraignment is a moderately common term in legal contexts, but its usage has increased in recent years due to the proliferation of true crime documentaries and legal dramas.