Recognizance (Noun)
Meaning
(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.
Classification
Nouns denoting possession and transfer of possession.
Examples
- The court accepted the defendant's recognizance for the payment of the fine and released him pending the hearing.
- A sum of money was put up as recognizance for the accused's promise to appear in court the following week.
- In exchange for his release, John was required to enter into a recognizance of $5,000, payable if he failed to appear at the trial.
- The recognizance was forfeited when the accused failed to comply with the conditions of his release.
- The court ordered the witness to enter into a recognizance to ensure her attendance at the trial, or face a hefty fine.