Meaning & use

arraignment

noun·Advanced

A court hearing at which a defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea.

See it in a sentence

At the arraignment, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all three charges.

Her lawyer requested bail be set during the arraignment scheduled for Monday morning.

A note on using this word

An early step in criminal proceedings, occurring before trial and separate from sentencing.

Words with a similar meaning

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