Definitions
- Describing the formal process in court where a person is brought before a judge to hear the charges against them and enter a plea. - Referring to the initial court appearance after an arrest, where the defendant is informed of their rights and the charges against them. - Talking about the legal procedure where the defendant is formally notified of the charges and asked to respond.
- Referring to a formal accusation or charge made by a grand jury, stating that there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial. - Describing the process where a grand jury reviews evidence and decides whether to bring criminal charges against a person. - Talking about the legal document that outlines the charges against a defendant and is issued by a grand jury.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve legal proceedings and the criminal justice system.
- 2Both are related to formal charges being brought against a person.
- 3Both are part of the process leading up to a trial.
What is the difference?
- 1Timing: Arraignment typically occurs before an indictment, as it is the first step in the legal process, while indictment usually happens after an investigation and review of evidence.
- 2Purpose: Arraignment is primarily focused on informing the defendant of the charges and allowing them to enter a plea, while indictment is about formally accusing someone of a crime based on evidence.
- 3Authority: Arraignment is conducted by a judge in open court, while indictment is issued by a grand jury, which is a group of citizens who review evidence in secret.
- 4Severity: Arraignment can involve both misdemeanor and felony charges, while indictment is typically associated with more serious felony charges.
Remember this!
Arraignment and indictment are both legal terms related to criminal charges. However, there are some key differences between the two. Arraignment is the initial court appearance where the defendant is informed of the charges and enters a plea, while indictment is a formal accusation made by a grand jury based on evidence. Arraignment happens before an indictment and is conducted by a judge, while indictment occurs after an investigation and is issued by a grand jury in secret.
