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Bubu · Joined: 05 Jul 2004 Posts: 47

hallo!

I don't understand the meaning of the following sentence

"But the magistrate convicted the monk for soliciting a prostitute and put him on bond for 12 months."

What is the meaning of the phrase "on the bond". If it refers to a contract then what kind of contract is it?

can anyone help?

thanks in advance

helen1 · Joined: 24 Nov 2004 Posts: 115

Hi Bubu,

"But the magistrate convicted the monk for soliciting a prostitute and put him on bond for 12 months."

I think we need an American's expertise on this one - I think it's means they set him free but for a period of 12 months if he does anything illegal he will be arrested and have a fine to pay.

In Britain (or should I say England as I'm not sure Scotland is the same) - we have something called a 'suspended sentence' which I think means something similar.

Bud - if you check into this one - am I right?

Helen.

Bubu · Joined: 05 Jul 2004 Posts: 47

well,
I don't know about either system. I am an indian and we have a different legal system.

obelix · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Posts: 304

This means that the monk was set free on condition that he agreed to behave himself for 12 months. If he did it again (and was caught) he would incur some kind of penalty: e.g. a fine, or jail time.

helen1 · Joined: 24 Nov 2004 Posts: 115

Thanks for clearing that one up Obelix.

bud · Joined: 09 Mar 2003 Posts: 2111 Location: New Jersey, US

Ha ha. I saw this a couple of days ago, but thought I'd wait to see what a Brit had to say. It's not American, Helen.

American English:

"But the judge convicted the monk for soliciting a prostitute and put him on probation for 12 months."

In the US, a bond (it's also called bail) is an amout of money that is posted by a defendant waiting for trial. It allows his release from jail until such time as he may be convicted, and it guarantees (in theory) that he will not run away. The worse the crime, the higher the bond. Bail is usually not asked for lesser crimes and is not available for the most heinous of crimes. We say this person is out on bail.

helen1 · Joined: 24 Nov 2004 Posts: 115

I'm so glad I brought a little laughter into your life Bud!

Embarassed

- should have spotted the 'magistrate' bit - but we definitely don't have a bond here - or maybe it's just that I've never been in trouble with the law!!! - Anything to confess?????

bud · Joined: 09 Mar 2003 Posts: 2111 Location: New Jersey, US

Harumph!

... Well, maybe a speeding ticket or two or whatever, but no muggings or grand thefts! Very Happy

Bubu · Joined: 05 Jul 2004 Posts: 47

helen and bud

We also have the words like bail and probation in india too. but this 'bond' was a little confusing

I enjoyed the sweet arguement between you two Very Happy

thanks

bud · Joined: 09 Mar 2003 Posts: 2111 Location: New Jersey, US

It was to me, too, Bubu. It seemed like it must be what I know as probabtion, but I wasn't sure.

Glad it helped.

Do you happen to know the country it came from? Maybe Australia or South Africa?

Bubu · Joined: 05 Jul 2004 Posts: 47

No Bud, I have no Idea where it comes from.Sorry

By the way, I have a different question.
you wrote in your last post "do you happen to know..."

Is that correct use? or one should say:

would you by any chance know...

you are a native speaker. plz help
Thanks

helen1 · Joined: 24 Nov 2004 Posts: 115

Hi Bubu - don't worry Bud is just showing how common he is Laughing

Seriously though the phrase you suggest

Bubu · Joined: 05 Jul 2004 Posts: 47

I envy you native speakers!!!

wish I could play with words like that Confused

bud · Joined: 09 Mar 2003 Posts: 2111 Location: New Jersey, US

Well, your English is excellent now. You'll get there!