Bail - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition bail

bail

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[Anglo-French, act of handing over, delivery of a prisoner into someone's custody in exchange for security, from bailler to hand over, entrust, from Old French, from Latin bajulare to carry (a burden)]
1 : the temporary release of a prisoner in exchange for security given for the prisoner's appearance at a later hearing [while free on ]
2 : the security given for a prisoner's release
;also
: the amount or terms of the security [excessive shall not be required "U.S. Constitution amend. VIII"] [posted cash ] [motion to reduce ]
3 : one who provides bail and is liable for the released prisoner's appearance [ may arrest or authorize arrest of principal "Code of Alabama"]

jump bail
: to flee the jurisdiction while released on bail


make bail
: to be released on bail

vt 1 : to release on bail
2 : to obtain the release of by giving bail often used with out
3 : to place (personal property) under a bailment [identity of the article claimed to have been ed "Peet v. Roth Hotel Co., 253 N.W. 546 (1934)"] NOTE: Property is usually bailed by putting it temporarily in the custody of another for a specific purpose, as safekeeping or delivery to a third party.