Bail is the amount of money or property that a defendant must provide to the court in order to be released from custody before their trial. It serves as a guarantee that the defendant will return for their court appearances.
Related terms
Eighth Amendment: This amendment prohibits excessive bail, meaning that bail should not be set at an unreasonably high amount.
Pretrial Detention: This refers to holding someone in jail before their trial because they are deemed a flight risk or pose a danger to society.
Bondsmen: These are individuals or companies who can post bail on behalf of defendants who cannot afford it.