Criminal Law Glossary

A court order releasing an accused from custody while they are awaiting trial and requiring them to obey certain conditions (rules) and return to court on a specific date. In some cases, bail orders may require a money deposit or a bail surety.

A court hearing where a judge decides if an accused will be released from custody while awaiting their trial or appeal. May also be referred to as a show cause hearing or judicial interim release hearing.

A person experiencing grief as a result of death.

An expression used in law to mean the judge or jury deciding the case is very sure that the accused is guilty. In a criminal case, Crown counsel must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.