in Anglo-American law, first encounter of an accused person with the court prior to trial, wherein he is brought to the bar and the charges against him are read. The accused usually enters a plea of guilt or innocence. If he chooses not to plead, a plea of not guilty will be entered for him. A guilty plea will usually result in the case's being handed over for judgment. Sometimes the court will permit a guilty plea to be withdrawn.

In civil-law countries arraignment does not exist, but accused parties must be brought before an investigating magistrate within a certain time, and the magistrate in turn must give his findings to the trial judge within a specified period. See also indictment.