Final answer:
Bail is the money pledged by a defendant to ensure they appear at trial. If a defendant cannot afford bail, they may obtain a bail bond, paying a fraction of the amount. This legal mechanism helps ensure defendants return for trial and supports the right to a speedy and public trial.
Step-by-step explanation:
The money pledged by a defendant to guarantee his or her appearance at trial is called bail. Bail is a crucial component of the legal process, allowing an accused individual to be freed pending the resolution of their case.
When a person is unable to afford the full bail amount, they may use a service known as a bail bond, where they pay a percentage of the total amount to a bond seller who in turn pays the full bail. This system aims to ensure that defendants who are out on bail will appear for their trial, as not showing up would mean forfeiting the bail money paid.
Moreover, the right to a fair trial includes several protections such as the right to an impartial jury, the opportunity to confront witnesses, and access to legal representation potentially through a public defender for those who cannot afford an attorney. The aim of a 'speedy and public trial' is to prevent long and financially burdensome legal processes and to maintain transparency within the justice system.