What is a bond in legal terms?

In legal terms, a bond serves as a form of collateral that ensures the defendant's return to court. When a defendant is granted bail, they may need to pay a certain amount of money or provide property to the court as a guarantee that they will appear for all required court dates. This mechanism provides the court with assurance that the defendant will not abscond and will fulfill their legal obligations. If the defendant fails to appear in court, the bond may be forfeited, allowing the court to recoup some losses associated with their failure to comply with the terms of their release. This illustrates the fundamental role of a bond in the judicial process, emphasizing the importance of accountability in pre-trial release scenarios. The other options focus on different legal concepts that do not pertain specifically to the function of a bond.