What occurs during an arraignment?

During an arraignment, the primary focus is on the defendant's plea regarding the charges brought against them. This is a critical stage in the judicial process where the defendant is formally presented with the charges and is given the opportunity to enter a plea, which may be guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

The arraignment serves to inform the defendant of their rights and the specific allegations they are facing, allowing them to respond appropriately. It is a procedural step that ensures the defendant understands the context of the legal proceedings and can adequately prepare for their defense based on the plea they enter.

Other elements mentioned in the context of the judicial process vary in relevance to the arraignment stage. For instance, determining the outcome of the case, the prosecution presenting evidence, and jury selection occur at different stages in the legal timeline, typically further along in the judicial process after the arraignment has taken place.