The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

bail

IPA:

Dictionary definition of bail

A specific amount of money or property provided as a guarantee or security to secure the temporary release of an individual from custody while awaiting trial or legal proceedings.
"The suspect was unable to afford the bail and remained in custody."

Detailed meaning of bail

It serves as a form of assurance that the person accused of a crime will return to court for their scheduled appearances. Bail is set by a judge or a court based on various factors, including the severity of the alleged offense, the person's criminal history, their flight risk, and the likelihood of them appearing in court. When bail is granted, the individual or their representative is required to pay the designated amount or provide assets of equivalent value, such as property or a bond, as collateral. If the accused fulfills their legal obligations and attends all court appearances, the bail amount or collateral is returned at the conclusion of the case. However, if the person fails to comply with the conditions or absconds, the bail may be forfeited, leading to legal consequences. Bail serves as a means to balance the rights of the accused with the interests of justice and the need to ensure the person's presence throughout legal proceedings.

Example sentences containing bail

1. The defendant's family posted bail to secure their release from jail.
2. The judge set the bail at $50,000 for the accused.
3. The defendant's lawyer argued for a lower bail amount during the hearing.
4. The bail bondsman agreed to cover the full bail in exchange for a fee.
5. The court accepted the property deed as collateral for the bail amount.
6. The accused skipped town and forfeited their bail.

History and etymology of bail

The noun 'bail' has a long and intriguing history in the realm of law and finance. It can be traced back to the Old French word 'baille,' which means 'a lease' or 'a giving over.' In medieval English, it was adopted from Old French and used to describe a form of security or guarantee provided by a person for the temporary release of someone in custody. The term 'bail' represented both the act of providing the security and the security itself, often in the form of money or property. This practice ensured that the individual released would return for their trial or legal proceedings. The etymology of 'bail' highlights its historical role as a form of security or guarantee in the legal context, emphasizing the importance of trust and assurance in the justice system.

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Further usage examples of bail

1. The judge granted bail with strict conditions, including a curfew and surrendering the passport.
2. The defendant's attorney requested a bail reduction due to financial hardship.
3. The bail hearing was scheduled for next week to determine the appropriate amount.
4. The accused was released on bail pending further investigation.
5. The judge denied bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and flight risk.
6. The judge set a high bail for the accused criminal.
7. He posted bail and was released from jail temporarily.
8. The defendant couldn't afford the steep bail amount.
9. The court decided to lower her bail to a manageable sum.
10. She had to mortgage her house to pay the bail.
11. The lawyer argued for a reduced bail on humanitarian grounds.
12. The wealthy businessman easily paid the hefty bail.
13. The suspect remained in custody until bail was arranged.
14. The accused requested a bail hearing to expedite release.
15. His friends pooled their money to cover his bail.
16. The judge denied bail, considering him a flight risk.
17. The bail bondsman helped secure his release.
18. The defendant awaited trial while out on bail.
19. The accused couldn't flee the country due to bail conditions.
20. They attended court hearings during their bail period.
21. The court imposed strict bail conditions to ensure compliance.
22. The family was relieved when the bail was granted.
23. The lawyer negotiated favorable bail terms for her client.
24. The bail was returned upon completion of the trial.
25. He violated his bail conditions, leading to re-arrest.