Recognizance

A written acknowledgment under the Criminal Code of the responsibility for a debt, to be forfeited upon failure to comply with the terms of the recognizance. A recognizance is used in connection with a peace bond or in similar situations where a person is undertaking to comply with conditions in order to be released: see, for example, section 83.3 dealing with the prevention of terrorist activity. Recognizances were formerly a basis upon which bail could be granted, but the term now used in that context is release order.

Form of release in which the accused person acknowledges that she will owe the state a specified amount of money in the event of default. If the release involves sureties, they are similarly obligated.

Either (1) an obligation of record that is entered into before a court, containing a condition to perform a particular act, such as making a court appearance, or (2) a sum of money pledged to assure the performance of such an act.

A formal promise made by the accused to appear and respond to criminal charges. Depending on the circumstances, the accused may enter the recognizance before a police officer or a magistrate.