What is "bail" in the context of criminal justice?

In the context of criminal justice, "bail" refers to the monetary amount or legal arrangement that a defendant provides as a guarantee for their appearance at trial. The primary purpose of bail is to ensure that individuals who are accused of a crime return to court for their proceedings after being released from custody. When a defendant pays bail, it allows them to remain free while their case is being resolved, under the condition that they comply with the court's requirements.

The system is designed to balance the presumption of innocence with the need to ensure that defendants do not evade the legal process. If a defendant fails to appear in court as scheduled, the court may forfeit the bail amount and issue a warrant for their arrest, which underscores the importance of bail in maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.

Understanding the role of bail is crucial as it directly relates to the rights of individuals in the legal system and the procedures that govern pre-trial release.