What does the term "arraignment" refer to in the CCP?

The term "arraignment" in the context of the Code of Criminal Procedure refers to the court proceeding where an accused person is formally charged with a crime. During an arraignment, the defendant is presented with the charges against them and is typically asked to enter a plea, such as guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This stage is crucial as it marks the beginning of the legal process for the accused, allowing them to understand the allegations and begin to prepare their defense.

While preliminary hearings and jury selections are important parts of the legal process, they serve different purposes. A preliminary hearing is focused on determining whether there is enough evidence to proceed with the trial, and jury selection is a process that occurs later in the court proceedings when a jury is chosen to hear the case. Similarly, a sentencing hearing takes place after a verdict is reached, and it is concerned with determining the appropriate punishment for the convicted individual. Therefore, the definition of arraignment fits directly with the formal charge process, making it the accurate choice.