Legal Definitions - recognizance

Definition: Recognizance is a bond or obligation made in court where a person promises to perform a certain act or observe a particular condition. It can be an acknowledgment of an obligation in a penal sum, which is conditioned on the performance or nonperformance of a specific act.

For example, a person who is released on their own recognizance is a criminal defendant who is not jailed but promises to return for a court date. This type of release does not require the person to post money or have a surety sign a bond with the court.

Another example is when a person acknowledges their obligation to keep the peace, be of good behavior, or appear at the assizes. This acknowledgment is made in court and is recorded as a recognizance.

Usage: Recognizance is commonly used in legal proceedings, especially in criminal cases. It is a way for the court to ensure that a person will fulfill their obligations or promises. It can also be used in civil cases where a person promises to pay a debt or fulfill a particular condition.