A criminal proceeding at which the court informs the defendant of the charges and the defendant enters a plea is known as what?

• A. Arraignment
• B. Booking
• C. Indictment
• D. Information

Answer: (A)

Arraignment is the court proceeding where the defendant is formally informed of the charges and asked to enter a plea. This step follows arrest and any charging documents, and it officially begins the defendant’s involvement in the case. At arraignment, the judge explains the charges and the defendant’s rights, may appoint counsel if needed, and, in many systems, sets bond. The defendant typically pleads guilty, not guilty, or, in some jurisdictions, no contest. This is different from booking, which is just the administrative processing after arrest, and from indictment or information, which are the formal charging instruments rather than the hearing in which a plea is entered.