Bail is a legal term that is commonly used in criminal cases. It is a process where an accused person is released from custody on the condition that they will attend their court hearings. Bail is a fundamental right of every accused person, and it is an important aspect of the criminal justice system. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bail.
Definitions
Bail is defined as a security or guarantee given by an accused person to secure their release from custody. It is a process where an accused person is released from jail on the condition that they will attend their court hearings. The amount of bail is usually set by the court, and it can vary depending on the seriousness of the offense.
Origin
The concept of bail dates back to medieval England when people were imprisoned for debt. The idea was to allow the accused person to be released from jail on the condition that they would pay a sum of money to the court. This money was used as a guarantee that the accused person would attend their court hearings. Over time, the concept of bail evolved, and it became a fundamental right of every accused person.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, bail is “the temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on condition that a sum of money is lodged to guarantee their appearance in court.”
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines bail as “the temporary release of a prisoner in exchange for security given for the due appearance of the prisoner.”
Associations
Bail is associated with the criminal justice system and is used to ensure that accused persons attend their court hearings. It is also associated with the concept of presumption of innocence, which means that an accused person is considered innocent until proven guilty.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bail include bond, surety, security, pledge, and guarantee.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of bail include custody, imprisonment, confinement, detention, and incarceration.
The same root words
The word bail comes from the Old French word “baillier,” which means “to deliver.” The root word is also found in other words such as bailiff, which refers to a court officer who is responsible for maintaining order in the courtroom.
Example Sentences
- The accused person was released on bail after his family paid the required amount.
- The judge set the bail at $10,000 for the accused person.
- The accused person was unable to post bail and remained in custody.
- The bailiff escorted the accused person into the courtroom.
- The accused person’s lawyer argued for a reduction in bail.