"Recognisance" is a word often used in legal contexts, and its spelling can be perplexing. The confusion arises because the word is spelled with a "c" instead of the more common "s" found in words like "recognition." The IPA phonetic transcription for "recognisance" is /ˈrɛkənɪzəns/. The "c" is pronounced as "k" sound, and the word ends with "ance," similar to other words like "ambulance" and "nuance." While it may take practice to spell "recognisance" correctly, understanding its phonetic transcription can help with pronunciation and usage.
Recognisance is a legal term that refers to a formal acknowledgment or promise made by an individual to a court, usually in a written form or sworn statement, to comply with certain obligations or conditions required by the court. It specifically involves a person's commitment to fulfill specific duties or adhere to certain behavior as ordered by a judge, and may primarily arise in the context of criminal law.
Recognisance is commonly used as a means to secure an individual's release from custody while criminal proceedings are pending. Usually, a person is released on their own recognisance, meaning without having to pay bail, after providing a solemn assurance to the court that they will appear for future hearings or meetings. Failure to comply with the recognisance can result in serious consequences, such as the forfeiture of bail or additional criminal charges.
This legal term is closely related to the concept of personal recognisance, which stands for an individual pledging his or her own word or reputation as a guarantee of fulfilling obligations. It reflects the trust that the court places in the person's integrity and their willingness to abide by the imposed conditions or obligations.
In summary, recognisance is a legal undertaking made by an individual before a court, often to secure their release, in which they promise to fulfill specific obligations or conditions. It serves as a form of commitment and accountability, ensuring compliance with the legal process.
An acknowledgment of a person or thing; in law, an obligation of record which an individual enters into before a court of record, or before a magistrate duly authorised, with condition to do some particular act, as to appear before the court again, or to keep the peace; the verdict of a jury upon assize.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "recognisance" has its etymological origins in Old French. It comes from the Old French term "recognoissance", which was derived from the verb "recognoistre" meaning "to recognize" or "to acknowledge". This verb, in turn, originated from the Latin word "recognoscere", where "re-" indicates "again" and "cognoscere" means "to know" or "to learn". Hence, the term "recognisance" essentially conveys the idea of acknowledging or knowing something again, typically in a legal or formal context.