What is the release of a defendant before trial known as?

The term that describes the release of a defendant before trial is commonly referred to as "pre-trial release." This legal concept allows individuals who are accused of a crime to remain free from custody while awaiting their trial, under certain conditions. The purpose of pre-trial release is to ensure that defendants do not face undue hardship by being incarcerated before their guilt or innocence is determined, while also allowing the court to impose conditions aimed at ensuring their appearance at future court dates and maintaining public safety.

In this context, "pre-trial release" encompasses various mechanisms, such as bail and other conditions that may be set by the court. Typically, pre-trial release fosters the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

The other terms like "conditional release," "bail release," and "provisional release" may have their own meanings within specific legal frameworks or jurisdictions, but they are not commonly used to solely define the general concept of releasing a defendant before trial. "Bail" specifically refers to the monetary or property guarantee required for pre-trial release, while "conditional release" could imply specific conditions attached to a broader release context. Therefore, "pre-trial release" is the most accurate and widely recognized term in this scenario.