Explain what bail means. State three instances where bail application can be refused
Bail is a sum of money or property that an individual accused of a crime is required to pay or provide as a guarantee that they will appear in court for their trial. If the accused person shows up for all their court appearances, the bail money is returned to them at the end of the trial.
There are several instances where a bail application can be refused. Three common reasons include:
1. Flight Risk: If the court believes that there is a high likelihood that the accused person will flee and not show up for their court appearances, bail may be refused. This is especially true for individuals with a history of skipping bail or who have strong ties to another country.
2. Public Safety Concerns: If the court believes that releasing the accused person on bail would pose a risk to public safety, such as in cases involving violent crimes or individuals with a history of dangerous behavior, bail may be refused.
3. Likelihood of Committing Further Crimes: If the court believes that releasing the accused person on bail would increase the likelihood of them committing further crimes while awaiting trial, bail may be refused. This can include individuals with a history of repeat offenses or who are deemed to be a threat to society.