Release on one’s own recognisance (ROR), also known as personal recognisance (PR) or own recognisance (OR), is a legal arrangement where a defendant is released from custody without having to post bail. Instead, the defendant promises to appear in court as required, based on their own word or recognisance. ROR is typically granted when the court determines that the defendant is not a flight risk or a danger to the community. It is commonly used for individuals charged with minor offences or those with strong ties to the community, such as stable employment or family obligations. ROR allows defendants to remain free while awaiting trial, avoiding the financial burden of bail and promoting the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
v. for a judge to allow a criminal defendant pre-trial freedom without posting bail, based on the past history of the defendant, roots in the community, regular employment, the recommendation of the prosecutor, the type of crime, and in total the likelihood of making all appearances in court and the improbability that the defendant will commit another crime while awaiting trial.
Often called “O.R.” or “R.O.R,” it is granted routinely in traffic matters, minor and technical crimes, and to people with no criminal record who display stability. It is called to be “ORed” in courtroom slang.
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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.
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