1a : an obligation of record entered into before a court or magistrate requiring the performance of an act (such as appearance in court) usually under penalty of a money forfeiture released on his own recognizance. b : the sum liable to forfeiture upon such an obligation.

What does recognizance mean in legal terms?

recognizance, in Anglo-American law, obligation entered into before a judge or magistrate whereby a party (the recognizor) binds himself to owe a sum of money in the event that he does not perform a stipulated act. If he fails to perform the required act, the money may be collected in an appropriate legal proceeding.

What does it mean to be released on recognizance?

A court's decision to allow a person charged with a crime to remain at liberty pending the trial, without having to post bail.