Bruce Hetherington, age 13, of Nampa, 7da., for his question

IN THE LAW, JUST WHAT IS BAIL?

Bail, in law, is obtaining a prisoner's release from custody by depositing a security guaranteeing that the prisoner. will surrender to proper legal authorities at a given time.

The term "bail" is also applied to the security itself; that is, the bail or bail bond monies.

A prisoner may be released on bail at the discretion of the court having jurisdiction over the case. 7n criminal cases, courts may grant or deny bail depending on the severity of the charge. Bail is often denied in cases of homicide.

when bail is allowed, the monetary value of the security is set the court. The 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits setting "excessive bail."

Should the prisoner fail to appear at the required time, the bail bond is forfeited.