Legal Definitions - arraign

Definition: To bring a person accused of a crime before a court of law, where the charges against them are read out, and they are given the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty. The court will also determine if the accused has a lawyer or if one needs to be appointed, set bail if necessary, and schedule future court appearances.

1. The suspect was arraigned in court yesterday for the robbery that took place last week.

2. The judge arraigned the defendant and set bail at $50,000.

3. After being arraigned, the accused pleaded not guilty to all charges.

These examples illustrate how arraigning works in a court of law. When a person is accused of a crime, they are brought before a judge to hear the charges against them and enter a plea. The judge will also determine if the accused has a lawyer or if one needs to be appointed, set bail if necessary, and schedule future court appearances. This process is known as arraigning.