Arraignment is a formal reading of a
criminal charging document in the presence of the
defendant to inform the defendant of the charges against them. In response to arraignment, the accused is expected to enter a
plea. Acceptable pleas vary among jurisdictions, 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.