Legal Definitions - astitution

Definition: Astitution (as-tuh-too-shun) is an archaic term that means the same thing as arraignment. Arraignment is the first step in a criminal case where the defendant is brought before the court to hear the charges and enter a plea.

Example: John was arrested for stealing a car. At his astitution, the judge read him the charges and asked him how he pleaded.

Explanation: In this example, John's astitution is the same thing as his arraignment. He was brought before the court to hear the charges against him and to enter a plea.