arraign
What does "arraign" mean?
To arraign someone means to bring them before a court of law to face formal charges. Imagine a solemn courtroom scene where a defendant stands before a judge to hear the specific accusations against them, effectively marking the official start of a criminal proceeding. This is a highly formal legal term, not used in everyday conversation. It is specific to the procedural step of reading an indictment to a defendant. You would only encounter this in news reports about trials or formal legal documents; using it in casual speech would sound bizarrely pretentious.
"arraign" in conversation
Legal news discussion
Did you see the news? The suspect is being arraigned this morning.
Did you see the news? The suspect is being arraigned this morning.
Yes, I expect the prosecutor will outline the full list of charges then.
Yes, I expect the prosecutor will outline the full list of charges then.
Used here in a standard journalistic context regarding court proceedings.
Legal drama script reading
My client will waive the reading of the indictment.
My client will waive the reading of the indictment.
Very well. We will proceed to arraign him on the felony counts immediately.
Very well. We will proceed to arraign him on the felony counts immediately.
Shows the specific courtroom usage where a judge directs the process.
"arraign" in a sentence
The suspect was arraigned in court yesterday.
The suspect was arraigned in court yesterday.
He will be arraigned on charges of embezzlement and fraud.
He will be arraigned on charges of embezzlement and fraud.
After the police finished their investigation, the prosecutor moved to arraign the defendant before the grand jury.
After the police finished their investigation, the prosecutor moved to arraign the defendant before the grand jury.
