bail
Meaning: The temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on condition that a sum of money is deposited with the court to guarantee their return. Also the money itself pledged as security.
In England and Wales, bail decisions are governed by the Bail Act 1976, which establishes a general right to bail unless specific grounds for refusal exist — such as risk of absconding, reoffending, or interfering with witnesses. Police bail (given at the station) and court bail (granted by magistrates or a judge) are distinct stages. Bail conditions may include curfews, reporting to a police station, surrendering a passport, or residence requirements. Breach of bail conditions can lead to arrest and remand in custody. It collocates with 'conditions,' 'granted,' 'refused,' 'unconditional,' and 'surety.'
Examples
- The magistrate granted bail on condition that the defendant report to the police station every Monday and surrender his passport. 治安法官批准保释,条件是被告每周一向警察局报到并上交护照。El magistrado concedió la libertad bajo fianza con la condición de que el acusado se presentara en comisaría todos los lunes y entregara su pasaporte.治安判事は、被告人が毎週月曜日に警察署に出頭しパスポートを提出することを条件に保釈を認めました。치안판사는 피고인이 매주 월요일 경찰서에 출두하고 여권을 제출하는 것을 조건으로 보석을 허가했습니다.
- The prosecution argued that bail should be refused on the grounds that the accused posed a significant flight risk. 检方主张应拒绝保释,理由是被告存在重大潜逃风险。La fiscalía argumentó que debía denegarse la fianza alegando que el acusado representaba un riesgo significativo de fuga.検察側は、被告人に重大な逃亡の危険があることを理由に保釈を拒否すべきだと主張しました。검찰 측은 피고인에게 상당한 도주 위험이 있다는 이유로 보석을 거부해야 한다고 주장했습니다.
- She was released on unconditional bail and instructed to appear at the Crown Court on the date specified. 她被无条件保释释放,并被告知在指定日期到皇家法院出庭。Fue puesta en libertad bajo fianza incondicional e instruida para comparecer en el Crown Court en la fecha especificada.彼女は無条件で保釈され、指定された日にクラウン・コートに出廷するよう指示されました。그녀는 무조건부 보석으로 석방되었으며, 지정된 날짜에 형사법원에 출석하도록 지시받았습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old French bail (custody, jurisdiction), from baillier (to deliver, hand over), from Latin bajulare (to bear a burden). Entered English legal terminology in the 15th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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