money to release a prisoner: I had to bail him out of jail.; remove water, as from a boat: They had to bail very fast to keep the boat from sinking. Not to be confused with:bale – a large, bound package, as a bale of hay: Stack the bales in the barn.
bail 1
B0028800 (bāl)n.1. Security, usually a sum of money, exchanged for the release of an arrested person as a guarantee of that person's appearance for trial.2. Release from imprisonment provided by the payment of such money.3. A person who provides this security.tr.v.bailed, bail·ing, bails1. To secure the release of by providing security.2. To release (a person) for whom security has been paid.3. Informal To extricate from a difficult situation: always bailing you out of trouble.Idioms: jump/skipbail To fail to appear in court and so forfeit one's bail.make bail To secure enough money or property to pay the amount of one's bail.[Middle English, custody, from Old French, from baillier, to take charge of, from Latin bāiulāre, to carry a load, from bāiulus, carrier of a burden.]bail′er n.
bail 2
B0028800 (bāl)v.bailed, bail·ing, bailsv.tr.1. To remove (water) from a boat by repeatedly filling a container and emptying it over the side.2. To empty (a boat) of water by bailing.v.intr.1. To empty a boat of water by bailing.2. To parachute from an aircraft; eject. Often used with out: bailed out of the damaged airplane at the last possible moment.3. To abandon a project or enterprise. Often used with out: The investors bailed out when it looked as though the company was going to be unprofitable.n. A container used for emptying water from a boat.[From Middle English baille, bucket, from Old French, from Vulgar Latin *bāiula, water container, from Latin bāiulāre, to carry a load.]bail′er n.bail3covered wagon
bail 3
B0028800 (bāl)n.1. The arched hooplike handle of a container, such as a pail.2. An arch or hoop, such as one of those used to support the top of a covered wagon.3. A hinged bar on a typewriter that holds the paper against the platen.4. The pivoting U-shaped part of a fishing reel that guides the line onto the spool during rewinding.5. A small loop, usually of metal, attached to a pendant to enable it to be strung on a necklace or bracelet.[Middle English beil, perhaps from Old English *bēgel or of Scandinavian origin; see bheug- in Indo-European roots.]
bail 4
B0028800 (bāl)n.1. Chiefly British A pole or bar used to confine or separate animals.2. Sports One of the two crossbars that form the top of a wicket used in the game of cricket.[Old French dialectal, probably from Latin baculum, stick; see bacillus.]
bail
(beɪl) lawn1. (Law) a sum of money by which a person is bound to take responsibility for the appearance in court of another person or himself or herself, forfeited if the person fails to appear2. (Law) the person or persons so binding themselves; surety3. (Law) the system permitting release of a person from custody where such security has been taken: he was released on bail. 4. (Law) jump bail formalforfeit bail to fail to appear in court to answer to a charge5. (Law) stand bail go bail to act as surety (for someone)vb (tr) (Law) (often foll by out) to release or obtain the release of (a person) from custody, security having been made[C14: from Old French: custody, from baillier to hand over, from Latin bāiulāre to carry burdens, from bāiulus carrier, of obscure origin]
bail
(beɪl) or
bale
vb (Nautical Terms) (often foll by out) to remove (water) from (a boat)[C13: from Old French baille bucket, from Latin bāiulus carrier]ˈbailer, ˈbalern
bail
(beɪl) n1. (Cricket) cricket either of two small wooden bars placed across the tops of the stumps to form the wicket2. (Agriculture) agriculturea. a partition between stalls in a stable or barn, for horsesb. a portable dairy house built on wheels or skids3. (Agriculture) AustralandNZ a framework in a cowshed used to secure the head of a cow during milking[C18: from Old French baile stake, fortification, probably from Latin baculum stick]
bail
(beɪl) or
bale
n1. the semicircular handle of a kettle, bucket, etc2. (General Engineering) a semicircular support for a canopy3. (Mechanical Engineering) a movable bar on a typewriter that holds the paper against the platen[C15: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse beygja to bend]
bail1
(beɪl) n. 1. property or money given as surety that a person released from legal custody will return at an appointed time. 2. a person who provides bail. 3. the state of release upon being bailed. v.t. 4. to grant or obtain the liberty of (a person) on security for appearance in court as required. 5. to deliver (goods) for storage, hire, or other special purpose. 6. to assist in escaping a predicament (used with out). Idioms: jump bail, to abscond while free on bail. [1375–1425; late Middle English bayle < Anglo-French bail custody, charge < Old French, derivative of baillier to hand over < Latin bāiulāre to serve as porter, derivative of bāiulus porter]
bail2
(beɪl)
n. 1. the semicircular handle of a kettle or pail. 2. a hooplike support, as for the cover on a Conestoga wagon. [1400–50; Middle English]
bail3
(beɪl)
v.t. 1. to dip (water) out of a boat, as with a bucket. 2. to clear of water by dipping: to bail out a boat.v.i. 3. to bail water. 4. bail out, a. to make a parachute jump from an airplane. b. to give up on or abandon a difficult situation. n. 5. a bucket, dipper, or other container used for bailing. [1425–75; late Middle English bayle < Middle French baille a bucket < Vulgar Latin *bāi(u)la; akin to Latin bāiulus carrier. See bail1]
bail4
(beɪl)
n. Chiefly Brit. a bar or partition for confining or separating livestock. [1350–1400; Middle English baile < Old French < Latin bacula sticks]
bail
Past participle: bailed Gerund: bailing
Imperative
bail
bail
Present
I bail
you bail
he/she/it bails
we bail
you bail
they bail
Preterite
I bailed
you bailed
he/she/it bailed
we bailed
you bailed
they bailed
Present Continuous
I am bailing
you are bailing
he/she/it is bailing
we are bailing
you are bailing
they are bailing
Present Perfect
I have bailed
you have bailed
he/she/it has bailed
we have bailed
you have bailed
they have bailed
Past Continuous
I was bailing
you were bailing
he/she/it was bailing
we were bailing
you were bailing
they were bailing
Past Perfect
I had bailed
you had bailed
he/she/it had bailed
we had bailed
you had bailed
they had bailed
Future
I will bail
you will bail
he/she/it will bail
we will bail
you will bail
they will bail
Future Perfect
I will have bailed
you will have bailed
he/she/it will have bailed
we will have bailed
you will have bailed
they will have bailed
Future Continuous
I will be bailing
you will be bailing
he/she/it will be bailing
we will be bailing
you will be bailing
they will be bailing
Present Perfect Continuous
I have been bailing
you have been bailing
he/she/it has been bailing
we have been bailing
you have been bailing
they have been bailing
Future Perfect Continuous
I will have been bailing
you will have been bailing
he/she/it will have been bailing
we will have been bailing
you will have been bailing
they will have been bailing
Past Perfect Continuous
I had been bailing
you had been bailing
he/she/it had been bailing
we had been bailing
you had been bailing
they had been bailing
Conditional
I would bail
you would bail
he/she/it would bail
we would bail
you would bail
they would bail
Past Conditional
I would have bailed
you would have bailed
he/she/it would have bailed
we would have bailed
you would have bailed
they would have bailed
bail
Past participle: bailed Gerund: bailing
Imperative
bail
bail
Present
I bail
you bail
he/she/it bails
we bail
you bail
they bail
Preterite
I bailed
you bailed
he/she/it bailed
we bailed
you bailed
they bailed
Present Continuous
I am bailing
you are bailing
he/she/it is bailing
we are bailing
you are bailing
they are bailing
Present Perfect
I have bailed
you have bailed
he/she/it has bailed
we have bailed
you have bailed
they have bailed
Past Continuous
I was bailing
you were bailing
he/she/it was bailing
we were bailing
you were bailing
they were bailing
Past Perfect
I had bailed
you had bailed
he/she/it had bailed
we had bailed
you had bailed
they had bailed
Future
I will bail
you will bail
he/she/it will bail
we will bail
you will bail
they will bail
Future Perfect
I will have bailed
you will have bailed
he/she/it will have bailed
we will have bailed
you will have bailed
they will have bailed
Future Continuous
I will be bailing
you will be bailing
he/she/it will be bailing
we will be bailing
you will be bailing
they will be bailing
Present Perfect Continuous
I have been bailing
you have been bailing
he/she/it has been bailing
we have been bailing
you have been bailing
they have been bailing
Future Perfect Continuous
I will have been bailing
you will have been bailing
he/she/it will have been bailing
we will have been bailing
you will have been bailing
they will have been bailing
Past Perfect Continuous
I had been bailing
you had been bailing
he/she/it had been bailing
we had been bailing
you had been bailing
they had been bailing
Conditional
I would bail
you would bail
he/she/it would bail
we would bail
you would bail
they would bail
Past Conditional
I would have bailed
you would have bailed
he/she/it would have bailed
we would have bailed
you would have bailed
they would have bailed
bail
Past participle: bailed Gerund: bailing
Imperative
bail
bail
Present
I bail
you bail
he/she/it bails
we bail
you bail
they bail
Preterite
I bailed
you bailed
he/she/it bailed
we bailed
you bailed
they bailed
Present Continuous
I am bailing
you are bailing
he/she/it is bailing
we are bailing
you are bailing
they are bailing
Present Perfect
I have bailed
you have bailed
he/she/it has bailed
we have bailed
you have bailed
they have bailed
Past Continuous
I was bailing
you were bailing
he/she/it was bailing
we were bailing
you were bailing
they were bailing
Past Perfect
I had bailed
you had bailed
he/she/it had bailed
we had bailed
you had bailed
they had bailed
Future
I will bail
you will bail
he/she/it will bail
we will bail
you will bail
they will bail
Future Perfect
I will have bailed
you will have bailed
he/she/it will have bailed
we will have bailed
you will have bailed
they will have bailed
Future Continuous
I will be bailing
you will be bailing
he/she/it will be bailing
we will be bailing
you will be bailing
they will be bailing
Present Perfect Continuous
I have been bailing
you have been bailing
he/she/it has been bailing
we have been bailing
you have been bailing
they have been bailing
Future Perfect Continuous
I will have been bailing
you will have been bailing
he/she/it will have been bailing
we will have been bailing
you will have been bailing
they will have been bailing
Past Perfect Continuous
I had been bailing
you had been bailing
he/she/it had been bailing
we had been bailing
you had been bailing
they had been bailing
Conditional
I would bail
you would bail
he/she/it would bail
we would bail
you would bail
they would bail
Past Conditional
I would have bailed
you would have bailed
he/she/it would have bailed
we would have bailed
you would have bailed
they would have bailed
Thesaurus
Noun
1.
bail - (criminal law) money that must be forfeited by the bondsman if an accused person fails to appear in court for trial; "the judge set bail at $10,000"; "a $10,000 bond was furnished by an alderman"bail bond, bondcriminal law - the body of law dealing with crimes and their punishmentrecognisance, recognizance - (law) a security entered into before a court with a condition to perform some act required by law; on failure to perform that act a sum is forfeited
2.
bail - the legal system that allows an accused person to be temporarily released from custody (usually on condition that a sum of money guarantees their appearance at trial); "he is out on bail"legal system - a system for interpreting and enforcing the lawslaw, jurisprudence - the collection of rules imposed by authority; "civilization presupposes respect for the law"; "the great problem for jurisprudence to allow freedom while enforcing order"
Verb
1.
bail - release after a security has been paidbail - secure the release of (someone) by providing securityfree, loose, unloose, unloosen, release, liberate - grant freedom to; free from confinement
2.
bail - deliver something in trust to somebody for a special purpose and for a limited periodfork out, fork over, fork up, hand over, turn in, deliver, render - to surrender someone or something to another; "the guard delivered the criminal to the police"; "render up the prisoners"; "render the town to the enemy"; "fork over the money"
3.
bail - secure the release of (someone) by providing securityguarantee, vouch - give surety or assume responsibility; "I vouch for the quality of my products"bail - release after a security has been paid
4.
bail - empty (a vessel) by bailing bail - remove (water) from a vessel with a containerempty - make void or empty of contents; "Empty the box"; "The alarm emptied the building"
5.
bail - remove (water) from a vessel with a containerremove, take away, withdraw, take - remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, or taking off, or remove something abstract; "remove a threat"; "remove a wrapper"; "Remove the dirty dishes from the table"; "take the gun from your pocket"; "This machine withdraws heat from the environment"bail - empty (a vessel) by bailing
bail
1baleverbscoop, empty, dip, ladle, drain offWe kept her afloat for a couple of hours by bailing frantically.
bail
2noun(Law)security, bond, guarantee, pledge, warranty, indemnity, surety, guarantyHe was freed on bail pending an appeal.bail outescape, withdraw, get away, retreat, make your getaway, break free or out, make or effect your escapeThe pilot bailed out safely.bail something or someone out(Informal)save, help, free, release, aid, deliver, recover, rescue, get out, relieve, liberate, salvage, set free, save the life of, extricate, save (someone's) bacon(Brit. informal)They will discuss how to bail the economy out of its slump.
bail 1
noun1. Money supplied for the temporary release of an arrested person that guarantees appearance of that person for trial:bond.2. One who posts bond:bailsman, bondsman.
bail 2
verbTo take a substance, as liquid, from a container by plunging the hand or a utensil into it:dip, lade, ladle, scoop (up).phrasal verb bail outTo catapult oneself from a disabled aircraft:eject, jump.Translations三柱门上的横木保释保释金
bail1
(beil) noun a sum of money which is given to a court of law to get an untried prisoner out of prison until the time of his trial, and which acts as security for his return. bail of $500. 保釋金 保释金bail out1. to set (a person) free by giving such money to a court of law. He was bailed out by his father. 把某人保釋出來 保释,把某人保出来 2. (American) to parachute from a plane in an emergency. 緊急跳傘 跳伞See also bale out under bale2 .
bail2
(beil) noun one of the cross-pieces laid on the top of the wicket in cricket. (板球)三柱門上的橫木 (板球)三柱门上的横木
bail
→ 保释zhCN
bail
bail up
1. To hold a cow within an enclosure of a stable (called a bail or bale) for the purposes of milking; or, of a cow, to be held in a bail for such a purpose. Primarily heard in Australia. Go bail up those cows before you have your breakfast.Make sure them cows are bailed up, we don't want them getting loose!2. To detain someone for the purposes of a robbery. Primarily heard in Australia. I was bailed up last night on my way home and the guy took my wallet.Bail up these two while I check out the rest of the house.3. To detain someone, as during an unsolicited conversation. Primarily heard in Australia. I would have been home 40 minutes ago, but I was bailed up by John talking some nonsense about the government again.See also: bail, up
give leg bail
To flee; to run away from something. The officer tried to arrest me, but I gave leg bail and sprinted toward my house.See also: bail, give, leg
bail out
1. To pay for someone's release from jail. A person's name or a pronoun can be used between "bail" and "out." I have to go bail out my brother—the police picked him up again, and he's down at the precinct.Bailing my son out from jail was the low point of the year.2. By extension, to get someone out of trouble or help them with a problem. A person's name or a pronoun can be used between "bail" and "out." I thought I would get in trouble for staying out too late, but luckily my sister bailed me out and told my mom I'd had car trouble.You can keep getting into these jams, dude. This is the last time I bail you out!3. To remove water from an unwanted place, typically by using a bucket. Although most commonly associated with emptying water from a boat, this phrase can be used in any situation where water has accumulated and must be removed. After all that rain, my dad and I have been bailing out our basement all day.We'll sink if we don't bail out the boat now!4. To leave or abandon something. We had been working on this project for months, and then John just bailed out on us.5. To jump from an airplane with a parachute. How high does the plane go before we bail out?I bailed out at the last second, just before the plane crashed.See also: bail, out
bail (one) out of jail
To pay for one's release from jail. I have to go bail my brother out of jail again. I wonder what he did this time.See also: bail, jail, of, out
jump bail
To intentionally not appear in court after having been released on bail, which is a security paid to allow one to avoid imprisonment until one appears in court. Failing to appear results in the forfeit of one's bail. The worst thing you could do is jump bail—then you'll be a fugitive and everyone will think you're guilty.See also: bail, jump
skip bail
To intentionally not appear in court after having been released on bail, which is a security paid to allow one to avoid imprisonment until one appears in court. Failing to appear results in the forfeit of one's bail. The worst thing you could do is skip bail—then you'll be a fugitive and everyone will think you're guilty.See also: bail, skip
make bail
To have enough money to pay as a security that allows one to be released from prison until one appears in court before their trial. Thankfully I was able to make bail, because having to spend three months in jail just to try and prove I'm innocent would be horrible.See also: bail, make
out on bail
No longer being held in prison while awaiting trial after having paid an amount of money determined by a judge. The former CEO was caught trying to flee the country while out on bail.She was out on bail, so at least she could spend the time before the trial with he children.See also: bail, on, out
bail on (one)
To leave or abandon one. Hey, thanks for bailing on me earlier—I was stuck talking to that guy for half an hour!Come on, I highly doubt that Angela would bail on you after one fight.See also: bail, on
bail out on (one)
To leave or abandon one. Hey, thanks for bailing out on me earlier—I was stuck talking to that guy for half an hour!Come on, I highly doubt that Angela would bail out on you after one fight.See also: bail, on, out
bail out
(of something) 1.Lit. to jump out of an airplane with a parachute. John still remembers the first time he bailed out of a plane.When we get to 8,000 feet, we'll all bail out and drift down together. We'll open our parachutes at 2,000 feet.2.Fig. to abandon a situation; to get out of something. John got tired of school, so he just bailed out.Please stay, Bill. You've been with us too long to bail out now.See also: bail, out
bail someone or something out
Fig. to rescue someone or something from trouble or difficulty. (Based on bail someone out of jail.) The proposed law was in trouble, but Senator Todd bailed out the bill at the last minute.I was going to be late with my report, but my roommate lent a hand and bailed me out at the last minute.See also: bail, out
bail someone out of jail
and bail someone out1.Lit. to deposit a sum of money that allows someone to get out of jail while waiting for a trial. John was in jail. I had to go down to the police station to bail him out.I need some cash to bail out a friend!2.Fig. to help someone who is having difficulties. When my brother went broke, I had to bail him out with a loan.See also: bail, jail, of, out
bail something out
1. to remove water from the bottom of a boat by dipping or scooping. Tom has to bail the boat out before we get in.You should always bail out a boat before using it.2. to empty a boat of accumulated water. Would you bail this boat out?I will bail out the boat.See also: bail, out
jump bail
and skip bailFig. to fail to appear in court for trial and forfeit one's bail bond. Not only was Bob arrested for theft, he skipped bail and left town. He's in a lot of trouble.The judge issued a warrant for the arrest of the man who jumped bail.See also: bail, jump
out on bail
out of jail after a court appearance and pending trial because bail bond money has been paid. (The money will be forfeited if the person who is out on bail does not appear for trial at the proper time.) Bob got out on bail waiting for his trial. The robber committed another crime while out on bail.See also: bail, on, out
bail out
1. Empty water out of a boat, usually by dipping with a bucket or other container. For example, We had to keep bailing out water from this leaky canoe. [Early 1600s] 2. Rescue someone in an emergency, especially a financial crisis of some kind, as in They were counting on an inheritance to bail them out. [Colloquial; 1900s] 3. Jump out of an airplane, using a parachute. For example, When the second engine sputtered, the pilot decided to bail out. [c. 1930] 4. Give up on something, abandon a responsibility, as in The company was not doing well, so John decided to bail out while he could still find another job . [Second half of 1900s] 5. See make bail. See also: bail, out
make bail
Put up security as an assurance that someone released from prison will appear for trial, as in He didn't think he could make bail for his brother. The use of bail for "security" was first recorded in 1495. See also: bail, make
out on bail
Released from custody on the basis of bail being posted, as in The lawyer promised to get him out on bail. This expression alludes to a payment made to the court as surety that the accused will appear for trial. See also: bail, on, out
skip bail
Also, jump bail. Fail to appear in court for trial and thereby give up the bail bond (paid to secure one's appearance). For example, I can't afford to skip bail-I'd lose half a million, or We were sure he'd jump bail but he finally showed up. This idiom uses skip and jump in the sense of "evade". The first dates from about 1900, the variant from the mid-1800s. Also see make bail. See also: bail, skip
jump bail
or
skip bail
If someone who is accused of a crime jumps bail or skips bail, they fail to appear in court when they should. He jumped bail and fled America the day before he was due to stand trial for murder.He was sentenced to an additional three months for skipping bail and going on the run for nine months. Note: `Bail' is money paid to an official in exchange for freedom until a court appearance. See also: bail, jump
bail out
v.1. To jump out of a plane, especially one that is going to crash: I grabbed my parachute and bailed out at the last possible minute.2. To stop doing or taking part in something because of difficulties or unpleasantness: The actor bailed out on the play after a fight with the director. Our investors bailed out when it looked like the project might not be profitable.3. To free someone who has been arrested and would otherwise remain in jail until the trial by providing an amount of money: I had to spend the weekend in jail because I had nobody to bail me out. Do you know who bailed out the accused thief last night?4. To rescue someone or something from a difficult situation, especially by providing financial assistance; extricate: Just when we thought we might have to close the business, my uncle bailed us out with a loan. The government tried to bail out the struggling airline industry.See also: bail, out
bail on someone
in. to walk out on someone; to leave someone. She bailed on me after all we had been through together.See also: bail, on, someone
bail (out)
in. to resign or leave; to get free of someone or something. Albert bailed just before he got fired.See also: bail, out
bail
verbSee bail out
bail out on someone
in. to depart and leave someone behind; to abandon someone. Bob bailed out on me and left me to take all the blame.See also: bail, on, out, someone
jump bail
tv. to fail to show up in court and forfeit bail. Lefty jumped bail, and now he’s a fugitive.See also: bail, jump
make bail
To secure enough money or property to pay the amount of one's bail.See also: bail, make
jump bail
To fail to appear in court after having been released on bail.See also: bail, jump
bail out, to
To leave, to withdraw. Originally meaning to empty water from a boat using a can or other container, a usage from the early 1600s. Three centuries later, it was transferred to parachuting out of an airplane. Two colloquial senses appeared in the 1900s, both of which can be considered clichés. The first, to bail someone out, means to rescue someone or something, especially from a financial problem. Thus “The opera company was looking for a wealthy donor to bail them out.” The second means to leave or abandon something, as in “No point in waiting any longer to see the doctor, so I’m bailing out now.” And appearing as the noun bailout, the term has been used particularly often with regard to corporations and countries in financial difficulties, as in “In September 2008, as stock markets plunged and credit markets around the globe seized up, Treasury secretary Henry M. Paulson and Federal Reserve chairman Ben S. Bernanke came up with a proposal for a sweeping $700 billion bailout of the nation’s financial institutions” (New York Times, July 1, 2010).See also: bail
bail
bail,
in law, procurement of release from prison of a person awaiting trial or an appeal, by the deposit of security to insure his submission at the required time to legal authority. The monetary value of the security—known also as the bail, or, more accurately, the bail bond—is set by the court having jurisdiction over the prisoner. The security may be cash, the papers giving title to property, or the bond of private persons of means or of a professional bondsman or bonding company. Failure of the person released on bail to surrender himself at the appointed time results in forfeiture of the security. Bail is usually granted in a civil arrestarrest, in law, seizure and detention of a person, either to bring him before a court body or official, or to otherwise secure the administration of the law. A person may be arrested for an alleged violation of civil or criminal law. .....Click the link for more information.. Courts have greater discretion to grant or deny bail in the case of persons under criminal arrest, e.g., it is usually refused when the accused is charged with homicide. The Eighth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States provides that "excessive bail shall not be required," but it does not provide any absolute right to bail.
bail
[bāl] (engineering) A loop of heavy wire snap-fitted around two or more parts of a connector or other device to hold the parts together.
bail
1. The wall of an outer court of a feudal castle. 2. A hinged loop that is used for lifting.
bail
1Law1. a sum of money by which a person is bound to take responsibility for the appearance in court of another person or himself, forfeited if the person fails to appear 2. the person or persons so binding themselves; surety 3. the system permitting release of a person from custody where such security has been taken 4.jump bail or (formal) forfeit bail to fail to appear in court to answer to a charge 5.stand or go bail to act as surety (for someone)
bail
2Cricket either of two small wooden bars placed across the tops of the stumps to form the wicket
bail
, bale1. a semicircular support for a canopy 2. a movable bar on a typewriter that holds the paper against the platen
bail
Related to bail: bail out, bail on someone, Bail Bonds
Bail
The system that governs the status of individuals charged with committing crimes, from the time of their arrest to the time of their trial, and pending appeal, with the major purpose of ensuring their presence at trial.
In general, an individual accused of a crime must be held in the custody of the court until his or her guilt or innocence is determined. However, the court has the option of releasing the individual before that determination is made, and this option is called bail. Bail is set by the judge during the defendant's first appearance. For many misdemeanors, bail need not be set. For example, the defendant may be released on the issuance of a citation such as a ticket for a driving violation or when booked for a minor misdemeanor at a police station or jail. But for major misdemeanors and felonies, the defendant must appear before a judge before bail is determined.
The courts have several methods available for releasing defendants on bail. The judge determines which of these methods is used. One alternative is for the defendant to post a bail bond or pledge of money. The bond can be signed by a professional surety holder, the accused, or the family and friends of the accused. Signing the bail bond is a promise that the defendant will appear in the specified criminal proceeding. The defendant's failure to appear will cause the signers of the bond to pay to the court the amount designated. The amount of bail is generally an amount determined in light of the seriousness of the alleged offense.
A defendant can also be released upon her or his own recognizance, which is the defendant's written, uninsured promise to return for trial. Such a release occurs only if the suspect has steady employment, stable family ties, and a history of residence in the community. Willful violation of the terms of a personal recognizance constitutes a crime.
Other conditions may also be set regarding the release of the defendant. The Bail Reform Act of 1984 (18 U.S.C.A. §§ 3141–3150) provided for many additional conditions that do not rely upon finances and that reflected current trends to move away from financial requirements for freedom. These conditions came about, in part, owing to concerns regarding the discriminatory nature of bail toward the poor. The Bail Reform Act allows for conditional releases dependent upon such circumstances as maintaining employment, meeting curfews, and receiving medical or psychiatric treatment.
Civil Actions
A defendant in a civil action can be arrested to ensure that he or she will appear in court to respond to the plaintiff's claims. Civil arrest prevents a defendant from leaving the jurisdiction to evade the litigation, and from attempting to conceal or dispose of assets in order to keep the plaintiff from collecting on the judgment if the plaintiff prevails. Since civil arrest is a drastic remedy, state laws must be consulted to determine when it may be used. The purpose of bail in a civil action is to ensure the presence of the defendant at trial and to guarantee the payment of a debt or the fulfillment of some civil duty, as ordered by the court.
The court sets the amount of bail, which is generally based on the probable amount of damage against the defendant. In some instances, if informed of changed circumstances, the court might increase or reduce bail. Cash, as opposed to a bail bond, may be deposited with the court only when authorized by statute. The purpose of the arrest and the statutory provisions determine whether this deposit may be used to pay the judgment awarded to the plaintiff.
Criminal Prosecutions
The objective of bail in criminal actions is to prevent the imprisonment of the accused prior to trial while ensuring her or his appearance at trial. Constitutional and statutory rights to bail prior to conviction exist for most offenses, but state constitutional provisions and statutes must be consulted to determine the offenses to which bail applies. The Bail Reform Act of 1984 governs bail in federal offenses. It provides the federal magistrate with alternatives to the incarceration of the defendant. If the charge is a noncapital offense (an offense not punishable by death), the defendant may be released on her or his own recognizance. If there is a reasonable likelihood that the defendant will not return for trial, the judge may impose bail. The judge may also release the defendant into the custody of a designated person or organization for supervision. Restricting the residence, extent of travel, and personal associations of the accused are other options.
Discretion of the Court
A court exercises its discretion with respect to the allowance of bail. In reaching its decision, it evaluates the circumstances of the particular case, including the existence of doubt as to the accused person's appearance at trial. Unreasonable delay or postponement in the proceeding, which is not attributable to the accused, usually constitutes a ground for bail—in some jurisdictions, by absolute right; more frequently, at the discretion of the court.
In jurisdictions in which it is neither proscribed nor regarded as an absolute right, the grant of bail pending a motion for a new trial, a review, or an appeal is also discretionary. The grant of bail is then determined in light of the probability of reversal, the nature of the crime, the likelihood of the defendant's escape, and the character of the defendant.
The decision to grant or deny bail is reviewable, but the scope of the review is limited to whether the court abused its discretion in its determination.
The amount of bail set is within the discretion of the court. Once fixed, it should not be modified, except for good cause. An increase cannot be authorized when the arrest warrant specifies the amount of the bail. An application for a change in bail is presented to the court by a motion based on an Affidavit (a voluntary written statement of facts) confirmed by the oath of the person making it. The affidavit must be taken before a person authorized to administer such an oath and must contain the facts justifying the change. The Eighth Amendment to the Constitution and the provisions of most state constitutions prohibit excessive bail, meaning bail in an amount greater than that necessary to ensure the defendant's appearance at trial.
The Bail Reform Act of 1984 helped to set guidelines allowing courts to consider the danger a defendant might present if released on bail. This response to the problem of crimes committed by individuals who had been released on bail marked a significant departure from earlier philosophies surrounding bail. Bail laws took on a new importance; they would ensure the appearance of the defendant in proceedings, and they would see to the safety of the community into which the defendant was released.
Pursuant to the 1984 act, if the court deems that the accused may, in fact, pose a threat to the safety of the community, the accused may be held without bail. In 1987, United States v. Salerno, 481 U.S. 739, 107 S. Ct. 2095, 95 L. Ed. 2d 697, addressed the constitutionality of holding an individual without bail while awaiting criminal trial. The Supreme Court held that due process was not violated by the detention of individuals without bail.
Breach and Forfeiture
A breach of the bail bond occurs in both civil and criminal actions when the defendant "jumps bail" or "skips bail"—that is, deliberately fails to return to court on the specified date, thereby forfeiting the amount of the bond. The act of jumping bail is either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending upon statute. The mandatory appearance required in a bail arrangement consists not merely of responding to the charges but also of attendance by the defendant at the trial and sentencing by the court. Appearance by counsel ordinarily does not prevent a breach, although under some statutes, where the offense is a misdemeanor, such an appearance might be sufficient.
When a bond is breached, the court enters a judgment of Forfeiture of the bail. In some jurisdictions, the judgment is appealable, but only if the failure to comply with the conditions of the bond was excusable and the state suffered no loss of rights against the defendant.
A final judgment normally cannot be entered on recognizance or bail bond without additional proceedings. Such proceedings are usually of a civil nature and follow the forfeiture of bail. These proceedings can be commenced by a writ (a court order) of scire facias (a judicial writ requiring the person against whom it is brought to show cause why the party bringing it should not have advantage of such record) or by an independent action.
Further readings
Bredefeld, Nicole J. 2001. "The Bail Reform Act of 1984 and Felons who Possess Weapons: Discrepancy Among the Federal Courts." Seton Hall Legislative Journal 26 (September): 215–62.
Colbert, Douglas L., Ray Paternoster, and Shawn Bushway. 2002. "Do Attorneys Really Matter? The Empirical and Legal Case for the Right of Counsel at Bail." Cardozo Law Review 23 (May): 1719–93.
Goldfarb, Ronald. 1965. Ransom: A Critique of the American Bail System. New York: Harper & Row.
Israel, Jerold H., ed. 2001. Criminal Procedure: Constitutional Limits, in a Nutshell. 6th ed. St. Paul, Minn.: West Group.
LaFave, Wayne R., Jerold H. Israel, and Nancy J. King, eds. 2000. Criminal Procedure. 3d ed. St. Paul, Minn.: West Group.
Sharma, R. 2001. Human Rights and Bail. New Delhi, India: APH Publishing.
Thomas, Wayne H. 1976. Bail Reform in America. Berkeley: Univ. of California Press.
United States House of Representatives. Committee on the Judiciary. Subcommittee on the Constitution. 2000. Bounty Hunter Responsibility Act of 1999: Hearing Before the Subcommittee on the Constitution of the Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixth Congress, second session, on H.R. 2964, March 30,2000. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
Cross-references
Due Process of Law; Eighth Amendment; Recognizance.
bail
1) n. the money or bond put up to secure the release of a person who has been charged with a crime. For minor crimes bail is usually set by a schedule which will show the amount to be paid before any court appearance (arraignment). For more serious crimes the amount of bail is set by the judge at the suspect's first court appearance. The theory is that bail guarantees the appearance of the defendant in court when required. While the Constitution guarantees the right to reasonable bail, a court may deny bail in cases charging murder or treason, or when there is a danger that the defendant will flee or commit mayhem. In some traffic matters the defendant may forfeit the bail by non-appearance since the bail is equivalent to the fine. 2) v. to post money or bond to secure an accused defendant's release. This is generally called "bailing out" a prisoner. (See: bail bond, bail bondsman, own recognizance)
bail
the release of an accused person pending further process, a procedure known in England since the time of Richard III. There is a presumption in favour of bail. Money bail is uncommon in the UK having been replaced by the imposition of conditions. Bail need not be granted if there are substantial grounds for believing that the accused would re-offend, interfere with witnesses or abscond. Breach of bail is in itself an offence. A person who is not granted bail is placed on REMAND.
BAIL, practice, contracts. By bail is understood sureties, given according to law, to insure the appearance of a party in court. The persons who become surety are called bail. Sometimes the term is applied, with a want of exactness, to the security given by a defendant, in order to obtain a stay of execution, after judgment, in civil cases., Bail is either civil or criminal. 2.- 1. Civil bail is that which is entered in civil cases, and is common or special bail below or bail above. 3. Common bail is a formal entry of fictitious sureties in the proper office of the court, which is called filing. common bail to the action. It is in the same form as special bail, but differs from it in this, that the sureties are merely fictitious, as John Doe and Richard Roe: it has, consequently, none of, the incidents of special bail. It is allowed to the defendant only when he has been discharged from arrest without bail, and it is necessary in such cases to perfect the appearance of the defendant. Steph. Pl. 56, 7; Grah. Pr. 155; Highm. on Bail 13. 4. Special bail is an undertaking by one or more persons for another, before some officer or court properly authorized for that purpose, that he shall appear at a certain time and place, to answer a certain charge to be exhibited against him. The essential qualification to enable a person to become bail, are that he must be, 1. a freeholder or housekeeper; 2. liable to the ordinary process of the court 3. capable of entering into a contract; and 4. able to pay the amount for which he becomes responsible. 1. He must be a freeholder or housekeeper. (q. v.) 2 Chit. R. 96; 5 Taunt. 174; Lofft, 148 3 Petersd. Ab. 104. 2. He must be subject to the ordinary process of the court; and a person privileged from arrest, either permanently or temporarily, will not be taken. 4 Taunt. 249; 1 D. & R. 127; 2 Marsh. 232. 3. He must be competent to enter into a contract; a feme covert, an infant, or a person non compos mentis, cannot therefore become bail. 4. He must be able to pay the amount for which he becomes responsible. But it is immaterial whether his property consists of real or personal estate, provided it be his own, in his own right; 3 Peterd. Ab. 196; 2 Chit. Rep. 97; 11 Price, 158; and be liable to the ordinary process of the law; 4 Burr. 2526; though this rule is not invariably adhered to, for when part of the property consisted of a ship, shortly expected, bail was permitted to justify in respect of such property. 1 Chit. R. 286, n. As to the persons who cannot be received because they are not responsible, see 1 Chit. R. 9, 116; 2 Chit. R. 77, 8; Lofft, 72, 184; 3 Petersd. Ab. 112; 1 Chit. R. 309, n. 5. Bail below. This is bail given to the sheriff in civil cases, when the defendant is arrested on bailable process; which is done by giving him a bail bond; it is so called to distinguish it from bail above. (q. v.) The sheriff is bound to admit a man to bail, provided good and sufficient sureties be tendered, but not otherwise. Stat. 23 H. VI. C. 9, A. D. 1444; 4 Anne, c. 16, Sec. 20; B. N. P. 224; 2 Term Rep., 560. The sheriff, is not, however, bound-to demand bail, and may, at his risk, permit the defendant to be at liberty, provided he will appear, that is, enter bail above, or surrender himself in proper time. 1 Sell. Pr. 126, et seq. The undertaking of bail below is, that the defendant will appear or put in bail to the action on the return day of the writ. 6. Bail above, is putting in bail to the action, which is an appearance of the defendant. Bail above are bound either to satisfy the plaintiff his debt and costs, or to surrender the defendant into custody, provided judgment should be against him and he should fail to do so. Sell. Pr. 137. 7. It is a general rule that the defendant having been held to bail, in civil cases, cannot be held a second time for the same cause of action. Tidd' s Pr. 184 Grah. Pr. 98; Troub. & Hal. 44; 1 Yeates, 206 8 Ves. Jur. 594. See Auter action Pendent; Lis pendens. 8. - 2. Bail in criminal cases is defined to be a delivery or bailment of a person to sureties, upon their giving, together with himself, sufficient security for his appearance, he being supposed to be in their friendly custody, instead of going to prison. 9. The Constitution of the United States directs that "excessive bail shall not be required." Amend. art. 8. 10. By the acts of congress of September, 24, 1789, s. 33, and March 2, 1793, s. 4, authority is given to take bail for any crime or offence against the United States, except where the punishment is death, to any justice or judge of the United States, or to any chancellor, judge of the supreme or superior court, or first judge of any court of common pleas, or mayor of any city of any state, or to any justice of the peace or other magistrate of any state, where the offender may be found the recognizance @tal,-en by any of the persons authorized, is to be returned to the court having cognizance of the offence. 11. When the punishment by the laws of the United States is death, bail can be taken only by the supreme or circuit court, or by a judge of the district court of the United States. If the person committed by a justice of the supreme court, or by the judge of a district court, for an offence not punishable with death, shall, after commitment, offer bail, any judge of the supreme or superior court of law, of any state, (there being no judge of the United States in the district to take such bail,) way admit such person to bail. 12. Justices of the peace have in general power to take bail of persons accused; and, when they have such authority they are required to take such bail There are many cases, however, under the laws of the several states, as well as under the laws of the United States,, as above mentioned, where justices of the peace cannot take bail, but must commit; and, if the accused offers bail, it must be taken by a judge or other,, officer lawfully authorized. 13. In Pennsylvania, for example, in cases of murder, or when the defendant is charged with the stealing of any horse, mare, or gelding, on the direct testimony of one witness; or shall be taken having possession of such horse, mare, or gelding, a justice of the peace cannot admit the party to bail. 1 Smith's L. of Pa. 581. 14. In all cases where the party is admitted to bail, the recognizance is to be returned to the court having @jurisdict on of the offence charged. Vide Act of God. Arrest; Auter action pendent; Deat Lis pendens.
FinancialSeeBale
BAIL
Acronym
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BAIL➣Boundary and Interior Layers
BAIL➣Belize Aluminum Industries Limited
BAIL➣Boaters' Action and Information League (Florida)
BAIL➣Bay Area Internet Literacy (California)
bail
Related to bail: bail out, bail on someone, Bail Bonds
all
verb
noun
phrase
Synonyms for bail
verb scoop
Synonyms
scoop
empty
dip
ladle
drain off
noun security
Synonyms
security
bond
guarantee
pledge
warranty
indemnity
surety
guaranty
phrase bail out
Synonyms
escape
withdraw
get away
retreat
make your getaway
break free or out
make or effect your escape
phrase bail something or someone out
Synonyms
save
help
free
release
aid
deliver
recover
rescue
get out
relieve
liberate
salvage
set free
save the life of
extricate
save (someone's) bacon
Synonyms for bail
noun money supplied for the temporary release of an arrested person that guarantees appearance of that person for trial
Synonyms
bond
noun one who posts bond
Synonyms
bailsman
bondsman
verb to take a substance, as liquid, from a container by plunging the hand or a utensil into it
Synonyms
dip
lade
ladle
scoop
phrase bail out: to catapult oneself from a disabled aircraft
Synonyms
eject
jump
Synonyms for bail
noun (criminal law) money that must be forfeited by the bondsman if an accused person fails to appear in court for trial
Synonyms
bail bond
bond
Related Words
criminal law
recognisance
recognizance
noun the legal system that allows an accused person to be temporarily released from custody (usually on condition that a sum of money guarantees their appearance at trial)
Related Words
legal system
law
jurisprudence
verb release after a security has been paid
Related Words
bail
free
loose
unloose
unloosen
release
liberate
verb deliver something in trust to somebody for a special purpose and for a limited period
Related Words
fork out
fork over
fork up
hand over
turn in
deliver
render
verb secure the release of (someone) by providing security
Related Words
guarantee
vouch
bail
verb empty (a vessel) by bailing
Related Words
bail
empty
verb remove (water) from a vessel with a container