Which term refers to releasing an arrestee without posting bail based on a promise to appear in court?

• A. Parole
• B. Own Recognizance
• C. Tort
• D. Juvenile Rights

Answer: (B)

Releasing an arrestee on their own recognizance means the court allows release without posting bail, based on the defendant’s promise to appear in court. This relies on factors suggesting the person isn’t a flight risk—such as strong community ties, stable employment, prior record, and the nature of the offense—so money bail isn’t required. It’s a pretrial release option intended to avoid unnecessary detention while ensuring the person will return for court dates. The term that fits this description is own recognizance (release on recognizance). Parole is a release from prison after sentencing with supervision, not a pretrial release. A tort is a civil wrong, unrelated to pretrial release. Juvenile rights concern protections for minors, not the mechanism of releasing arrestees.