HealthJuly 20, 2026
arraignment
/əˈreɪnmənt/
Definition
A formal court proceeding where a defendant is officially charged with a crime and asked to enter a plea.
Etymology
The word stems from the Old French 'arener' meaning to call to account or to address, combined with the suffix '-ment.' It evolved through the Anglo-French 'areinement,' eventually entering English law to describe the act of bringing a prisoner to the bar to answer a charge.
In the news
Although the article discusses the suspension of a case for a mental health evaluation, the arraignment is the initial procedural step where the defendant is first presented with the charges against them in open court.
Accused Puna Killer Faces Mental Health Evaluation. Here’s What That Means
Read the full article ↗Honolulu Civil Beat