Definition

Noun (Law): 1. A formal obligation or bond: A promise made to a court, often in writing, to perform a specific act required by law (such as appearing for trial or keeping the peace). A sum of money may be forfeited if this obligation is not fulfilled. 2. The sum pledged: The specific amount of money pledged as security for fulfilling the obligation.

Usage Examples

• The defendant was released on his own recognisance, promising to return for the hearing.
• The judge set a recognisance of $5,000 to ensure the witness would appear in court.
• He entered into a recognisance to keep the peace for twelve months.

Advanced Usage

• On one's own recognisance (OR): A pre-trial release where a defendant is released without bail, based solely on their written promise to return to court. This is often granted to individuals with strong community ties and a low flight risk.
  • The judge, considering her clean record and local family, released her on her own recognisance.

Variants and Related Words

• Recognizance (noun): An alternative, and very common, spelling of "recognisance." Both forms are correct and used interchangeably in legal contexts.
• Recognize (verb): To identify, acknowledge, or accept something as valid. This is the root verb from which "recognisance" is derived, though their modern meanings are distinct.

Synonyms

• Bond: A formal deed by which a person binds themselves to pay a sum of money.
• Surety: Security given for the fulfillment of an undertaking.
• Guarantee: A formal promise or assurance.

Related Phrases

• Enter into a recognisance: The formal act of making the pledge before the court.
  • The accused was required to enter into a recognisance for good behavior.
• Forfeit one's recognisance: To lose the pledged sum due to failing to meet the condition.
  • By fleeing, he forfeited his recognisance.

Noun

1. (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