15.1 - Recognisance

A recognisance is essentially a promise (with or without sureties) to the Court, often to pay money, appear in Court at a specified time or to be of good behaviour

A good behaviour bond requires that a person be of good behaviour for a specified period not exceeding one year, and not commit further offences. This order is often imposed on young or first-time offenders. There is no formal supervision during the life of the order, and defendants subject to it are reliant on their own resources to avoid re-offending.

See also Peace and Good Behaviour Bond to resolve issues of physical abuse and threats.