The word "arraign" is a legal term that refers to the act of formally charging someone with a crime in court. Its spelling can be a bit tricky, as it contains a silent "g" and a unique combination of vowels that may not be immediately obvious. The correct spelling is /əˈreɪn/, which can be phonetically transcribed as uh-reyn. It is important to spell the word correctly when using it in legal or formal contexts to avoid confusion or misunderstandings.
The term "arraign" is a verb that refers to the legal act of formally bringing an individual before a court to address criminal charges or accusations. It involves the presentation of the charges in a formal and public setting, so that the accused individual can enter a plea, typically by stating whether they are guilty or not guilty. This process aims to ensure that every person accused of a crime is given the opportunity to defend themselves and to uphold the principles of justice.
During the arraignment, the court informs the defendant of their rights, which include the right to an attorney and the right to remain silent. The defendant is then expected to respond to the charges they are facing. If they plead guilty, the court can proceed to the sentencing phase, where a punishment is determined. On the other hand, if the defendant pleads not guilty, further court proceedings are scheduled to determine their innocence or guilt.
The arraignment is a critical step in the criminal justice system, as it sets the stage for the due process that should follow. It serves as the official beginning of the judicial process, providing an opportunity for the defendant to understand the charges levied against them and to exercise their constitutional rights. Overall, arraignment serves to ensure fairness, transparency, and the protection of the accused individual's rights within the legal system.
To set as a prisoner at the bar of a court of justice; to charge with faults; to accuse publicly.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "arraign" comes from Middle English "araynen" which means "to call to account". It is derived from the Old French word "arener" or "araisnier", which have a similar meaning. These French terms are ultimately derived from the Vulgar Latin word "ratiōnāre", meaning "to reason" or "to reckon". The word "araisnier" eventually evolved into "arraigner" in Middle French, and later into "arraign" in Middle English.