(A) The act of a court by which the judges refuse to give judgment, because upon the face of the record, it appears that the plaintiff is not entitled to it. See Judgment, arrest of. (B) practice. This takes place when the court withhold judgment from the plaintiff on the ground that there is some error appearing on the face of the record, which vitiates the proceedings. In … [Read more...]

In criminal practice. To bring a prisoner to the bar of the court to answer the matter charged upon him in the indictment. The arraignment of a prisoner consists of calling upon him by name, and reading to him the indictment, (in the English tongue,) and demanding of him whether he be guilty or not guilty, and entering his plea. Grain v. United States, 162 U. S. 625, 16 Sup. … [Read more...]

An official record that documents and list each time a person was arrested. … [Read more...]

This refers to the court appearance in which the defendant is formally charged with a crime and must enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or nolo contendere. Typically this deals with three steps (1) identification of the defendant, (2) reading of the charges so that the defendant understands the charges, and (3) a plea entered by the defendant. Several matters can be handled at … [Read more...]

A document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes the police to arrest someone. Warrants are issued when law enforcement personnel present evidence to the judge or magistrate that convinces her that it is reasonably likely that a crime has taken place and that the person to be named in the warrant is criminally responsible for that crime. … [Read more...]