What is the primary action taken by the judge during the arraignment hearing?

During the arraignment hearing, the primary action taken by the judge is to call on the accused to make a plea or election. This is a critical step in the criminal procedure, as it formally informs the defendant of the charges against them and gives them the opportunity to respond by entering a plea, typically of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

This process is essential because it ensures that the defendant understands the nature of the charges and the legal implications of their plea. It also sets the stage for the subsequent stages of the judicial process, including pre-trial motions and the potential trial itself. The judge does not determine guilt at this stage nor conduct an investigation; instead, the focus is solely on the plea, which determines how the case will proceed.