Recognizance

usgb/rɪˈkɑːɡnɪzəns/
noun

A promise made to a court to behave properly.

He was released on his own recognizance, promising to appear in court.
Visual representation of "recognizance" - A promise made to a court to behave properly.

Often appears as...

  • on one's own recognizance
  • recognizance bond

Usage tips

Formal

Technical

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "recognizance"
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Legal Commitment

Used to describe a pledge an individual makes to a court, often avoiding jail by promising good behavior.

Illustration for Legal Commitment
She vowed to the judge she would not leave the city, being allowed to go on her own recognizance.
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Court Appearance

Implies the person must return to court when called upon, without posting bail.

Illustration for Court Appearance
After the hearing, the accused was released on recognizance and scheduled to appear again in three weeks.
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Trustworthiness

Shows a court's trust in a person's word and character, not requiring money for bail.

Illustration for Trustworthiness
Due to her clean record, the court granted her release on her own recognizance.
Visual representation of the word "Recognizance"

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