The word "Arraigner" is a legal term that refers to the act of formally charging someone with a crime. It is pronounced as / əˈreɪnər /, with the stress on the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced as "uh" as in "up", the second syllable is pronounced as "ray" as in "ray of light", and the third syllable is pronounced as "nuh" as in "nut". The final syllable is pronounced as "er" as in "player". The spelling of this word reflects its origin from Middle English and French.
An arraigner is a legal professional who is responsible for formally charging an individual with a criminal offense and presenting the charges before a court. The term "arraign" refers to the act of bringing an accused person before a judicial authority to answer charges related to a crime.
The role of an arraigner involves several important tasks. Firstly, they review the evidence gathered by law enforcement agencies to determine if there is enough evidence to charge the individual with a crime. If deemed appropriate, the arraigner files a formal accusation, known as an information or an indictment, which specifies the charges against the accused.
Once the charges are filed, it is the arraigner's duty to ensure that the accused is informed of these charges and their legal rights. This involves scheduling an arraignment hearing, where the accused appears in court and is formally informed of the charges brought against them. During the arraignment, the arraigner may also request bail for the accused, if necessary.
Furthermore, an arraigner may engage in plea negotiations with the defense counsel, attempt to settle the case, or proceed to trial depending on the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime and the evidence available. Throughout the legal process, an arraigner acts as a representative of the state or government, aiming to uphold the principles of justice and ensure a fair trial.
Overall, an arraigner plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system by initiating legal proceedings against individuals suspected of committing crimes, formalizing charges, and safeguarding the rights of the accused.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "arraigner" traces its origins back to Old French. It is derived from the verb "arraigner", which means to call to account or to arraign. The Old French term was further derived from the Late Latin word "rationare", meaning to calculate or reckon, indicating the notion of calling someone to account for their deeds or actions. Over time, the term was adopted into Middle English as "arraignen", and eventually evolved to its modern form, "arraigner", in the English language. The word is commonly used in legal contexts to refer to the act of formally accusing someone of a crime in court.