arraignment
n. countable C1 Advanced US //ɝˈeɪnmənt// UK //ɐɹˈeɪnmənt// ar·raign·ment
n. a formal court meeting where a person is told the charges against them and must say if they are guilty or not guilty.
n. a formal proceeding in a court of law where an accused person is brought before a judge to hear the charges and enter a plea.
The defendant appeared in court for his arraignment.
During the arraignment, the judge read the charges of theft and asked the defendant if he had a lawyer.
The arraignment serves as a critical procedural milestone, ensuring that the accused is formally notified of the specific legal allegations and their right to a trial.