What is the process where the defendant is brought before the judge in open court, informed of the pending charges, and asked to plead guilty or not guilty?

• A. Indictment
• B. Arraignment
• C. Interrogation
• D. Sentencing

Answer: (B)

Arraignment is the court proceeding in which the defendant is brought before a judge in open court, the charges are formally presented, and the defendant is asked to enter a plea—guilty, not guilty, or another legally allowed plea. This step occurs after charges are filed (whether by indictment or information) and sets the course for how the case will proceed, either toward trial or some other disposition. The indictment is the charging document itself, not the step of appearing and pleading; interrogation refers to police questioning outside or before this stage; and sentencing happens only after a conviction or guilty plea.