What is a Boykin form and what does it ask defendants?

A Boykin Form is given to someone who enters a plea of guilty in order to assure that the plea is intelligent and voluntary.. Questions are asked to make sure the defendant understands the implications of a guilty plea. Specifically, the defendant is asked if he/she understands that a guilty plea means that he/she gives up the right to a trial by jury, the right to remain silent, and the right to cross-examine witnesses and to present witnesses in their defense. They are also asked if they are entering the plea intelligently and voluntarily, and have not been coerced or provided anything in exchange for the plea. Questions must be answered and a form must be signed before the plea is accepted.