Arraignment

Pronunciation: /əˈreɪnmənt/

Definitions of arraignment

noun a legal procedure in which a person accused of a crime is formally charged and brought before a court

Example Sentences

A1 The arraignment was scheduled for next week.

A2 During the arraignment, the defendant entered a plea of not guilty.

B1 The arraignment process can be intimidating for first-time offenders.

B2 The defense attorney requested a continuance at the arraignment.

C1 The arraignment was conducted in accordance with the rules of criminal procedure.

C2 The judge set bail at the arraignment based on the severity of the charges.

Examples of arraignment in a Sentence

formal The defendant's arraignment is scheduled for next Monday.

informal They're arraigning him in court next week.

slang He's getting arraigned on Monday.

figurative The arraignment of his actions by society was swift and harsh.

Grammatical Forms of arraignment

• past tense: arraigned
• plural: arraignments
• comparative: more arraigned
• superlative: most arraigned
• present tense: arraign
• future tense: will arraign
• perfect tense: have arraigned
• continuous tense: is arraigning
• singular: arraignment
• positive degree: arraignment
• infinitive: to arraign
• gerund: arraigning
• participle: arraigned

Origin and Evolution of arraignment

First Known Use: 1300 year

Language of Origin: Middle English, Old French, Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'arraignment' originated from Middle English, derived from Old French 'araner' meaning 'to speak to', ultimately from Latin 'ad-' (towards) and 'rationare' (to talk).

Evolution of the word: Initially used in legal contexts to refer to the formal reading of charges to a defendant, 'arraignment' has evolved to encompass the entire process where a defendant is brought before a court to plead to the charges against them.