The word "arraigns" is spelled with two r's after the initial "a," and pronounced as /əˈreɪnz/. This word means to call someone to answer a criminal charge in court. The "ai" in "arraigns" is a diphthong, meaning that two vowel sounds are pronounced as a single syllable. The "g" in "arraigns" is silent, which can be confusing to some English learners. As the spelling and pronunciation of this word can be challenging, it is essential to practice and memorize them to communicate effectively.
The term "arraigns" refers to a legal procedure in which an individual, typically a criminal defendant, is formally called before a court to answer charges against them. It is a critical stage in the criminal justice system once an arrest is made and prior to a trial. During an arraignment, the accused person is informed of the specific charges filed against them, and they are required to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
In most jurisdictions, an arraignment serves several important purposes. Firstly, it ensures that defendants are aware of the nature of the charges against them, allowing them to formulate a defense strategy accordingly. Additionally, it establishes the involvement of the court in the case, enabling the commencement of further legal proceedings. Furthermore, an arraignment sets the stage for bail determination, where the court decides whether the defendant shall be detained in custody, released on certain conditions, or granted bail.
Typically, the arraignment process involves the reading of the charges, the defendant's right to legal representation, and the opportunity to enter a plea. The defendant may choose to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or in some cases, no contest. Subsequent to the arraignment, if the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, additional legal proceedings, such as pretrial hearings and ultimately a trial, may follow to determine the defendant's guilt or innocence.
The word "arraigns" has its origins in Old French. It can be traced back to the Middle English term "arainen", which came from the Old French word "areisner". In Old French, "areisner" meant "to call to account" or "to call before a tribunal". The word then evolved in Middle English to "araynen" and eventually became "arraign" in Modern English. In its current form, "arraigns" refers to the act of formally charging someone with a crime and bringing them before a court.