Arraignment is primarily focused on which aspect of legal proceedings?

Arraignment is a crucial early stage in the criminal legal process where the accused is formally charged with a crime. The primary focus during this stage is the reading of the charges against the defendant. This allows the accused to be informed of the specific allegations being made and gives them the opportunity to respond by entering a plea. The plea can be guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

This component of the legal process is essential because it ensures that the defendant is fully aware of what they are being accused of and is able to make informed decisions regarding their case moving forward. The arraignment does not involve witness testimony, sentencing, or jury selection, which occur at later stages in the legal proceedings. Thus, the emphasis on the reading of the charges at arraignment is fundamental in upholding the rights of the accused and facilitating a fair judicial process.