<P> Arraignment is a formal reading of a criminal charging document in the presence of the defendant to inform the defendant of the charges against him or her . In response to arraignment, the accused is expected to enter a plea . Acceptable pleas vary among jurisdiction but they generally include "guilty", "not guilty", and the peremptory pleas (or pleas in bar) setting out reasons why a trial cannot proceed . Pleas of "nolo contendere" (no contest) and the "Alford plea" are allowed in some circumstances . </P> <P> In Australia, arraignment is the first of eleven stages in a criminal trial, and involves the clerk of the court reading out the indictment . The judge will testify during the indictment process . </P>

When is a suspect informed of the charges against him or her