Recognizance meaning

Recognizance is when a person promises to abide by certain conditions and obligations set by the court before they are released from custody.


Recognizance definitions

Word backwards ecnazingocer
Part of speech The word "recognizance" is a noun.
Syllabic division rec-og-ni-zance
Plural The plural of the word recognizance is recognizances.
Total letters 12
Vogais (4) e,o,i,a
Consonants (5) r,c,g,n,z

Recognizance is a legal term that refers to a person's obligation to fulfill a promise or agreement made to the court. This agreement typically involves appearing in court when required and following specific conditions set by the judge.

What is Recognizance?

Recognizance is often used in criminal cases as a way to release a defendant from custody without requiring them to pay bail. Instead, the defendant promises to comply with the conditions set by the court, such as attending all court hearings, staying away from certain individuals or places, or refraining from illegal activities.

How Does Recognizance Work?

When a person is released on recognizance, they are essentially being trusted to uphold their end of the agreement without having to provide any financial security. If the individual fails to comply with the conditions of their recognizance, they may be subject to penalties such as fines, additional charges, or even being re-arrested and held in custody.

Benefits of Recognizance

Recognizance can be beneficial for individuals who cannot afford to pay bail or who pose a minimal risk to the community. By allowing low-risk defendants to be released on recognizance, the court system can save resources and alleviate jail overcrowding. Additionally, recognizance promotes the idea of innocent until proven guilty, allowing individuals to maintain their freedom while awaiting trial.

In conclusion, recognizance is a legal concept that allows individuals to be released from custody based on their promise to fulfill certain conditions set by the court. While recognizance is not suitable for everyone, it can be a valuable tool in the criminal justice system for promoting fairness and preserving individual rights.


Recognizance Examples

  1. The judge released the defendant on his own recognizance.
  2. She was placed on probation without having to pay bail, but on the condition that she stay out of trouble and report to her probation officer regularly.
  3. The police officer let the suspect go on his own recognizance, believing he was not a flight risk.
  4. After being caught shoplifting, she signed a statement promising to appear in court, opting for release on her own recognizance.
  5. The defendant was granted bail, but the judge also required him to sign a personal recognizance bond.
  6. The accused was allowed to go free on her own recognizance as she awaited trial for the alleged crime.
  7. He was apprehended for driving under the influence and released on his own recognizance pending his court date.
  8. The suspect was released on bail, but with the added condition of a personal recognizance agreement.
  9. The judge granted her release on personal recognizance, based on the belief that she would not flee the jurisdiction.
  10. Despite being arrested, he was released on his own recognizance due to lack of criminal record.


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  • Updated 05/04/2024 - 12:01:28