What is the purpose of an arraignment?

The purpose of an arraignment is to formally inform the defendant of the charges against them. During this stage of the legal process, the judge reads the charges in detail, providing the defendant with clear information about what they are accused of. This is a critical part of ensuring that the defendant understands the legal proceedings they are facing and can adequately prepare their defense.

This process also typically involves the opportunity for the defendant to enter a plea, such as guilty, not guilty, or no contest. However, the primary focus of the arraignment is the reading of the charges, making it an essential step in ensuring due process.