What does it mean to arraign someone?

To arraign someone means to bring them before a court to face charges. This legal process is an important step in the judicial system, as it formally presents the accusations against the defendant, allowing them to hear the charges and respond to them. During an arraignment, the individual may enter a plea, such as guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

The other options do not accurately depict the meaning of arraignment. Releasing someone from custody pertains to a different legal process, as does providing a character reference, which involves speaking to someone's character in a non-judicial context. Dismissing charges is also separate from arraignment, as it refers to the act of formally dropping charges against a person after they have been filed. Thus, the definition of arraigning someone is specifically tied to the court appearance and addressing of charges.