COLLOQUY (LAW)

In law, a 'colloquy' is a routine, highly formalized conversation. Conversations among the judge and lawyers (as opposed to testimony under oath) are colloquys. The term can be applied to the conversation that takes place when a defendant enters into a plea bargain and the judge is supposed to verify that the defendant understands that they are waiving their right to a jury trial.
In criminal court, 'a colloquy' is an investigation within a defendants plea to reassure that the plea was given both voluntarily and intelligently. Defendant needs to understand the charges against him, the penalties that he will face, and his rights before entering into a guilty plea.