What is the term used for the means of procuring the release of a defendant from jail pending trial?

The term that refers to the means of procuring the release of a defendant from jail pending trial is "bail." Bail involves a financial arrangement where a defendant pays a set amount of money to ensure their appearance in court at a later date. This system aims to balance the presumption of innocence with the need to ensure that defendants return for their trial.

Understanding bail is crucial as it reflects a fundamental principle in the legal system—that individuals should not be held in custody before their trial if they pose no flight risk or danger to the community. Bail serves to uphold the defendant's right to freedom while still allowing the judicial process to proceed.

Other terms like "bond" refer to a specific type of bail agreement, often involving a third-party financial service, while "detention" indicates the act of keeping someone in custody, and "parole" relates to the supervised release of a convicted person after serving part of their sentence. These terms serve different purposes and contexts within the criminal justice system.