What is the purpose of an arraignment?

The purpose of an arraignment is to formally inform the defendant of the charges against them. This is a critical stage in the criminal justice process where the accused appears before the court to hear the specific allegations being made. During this proceeding, the defendant is usually asked to enter a plea—such as guilty, not guilty, or no contest—regarding the charges. The arraignment also serves to ensure that the defendant understands their rights and the nature of the accusations they face, which is fundamental to ensuring a fair trial process.

In contrast, jury selection occurs at a later stage in the trial process, typically during pre-trial preparations. Sentencing also happens after a trial or a guilty plea, when the court determines the appropriate punishment for a defendant found guilty of a crime. Hearing closing arguments is part of the trial process, which occurs after evidence has been presented, rather than during the arraignment. Thus, the correct answer aligns perfectly with the primary function of the arraignment within the judicial proceedings.