The idea of bail dates back several centuries to Anglo-Saxon England. Courts use monetary incentives to compel a person to appear in court. The logic behind this rule is simple. It’s safe to say that most people do not want to lose something valuable like money or property. Therefore, courts attach a monetary value that must be paid to secure the release of someone charged with a crime. The jail releases the person when someone turns the money over to the jail or court. The person who posted the bail money will get it back at the end of the case if the accused attends court as ordered. If the defendant misses one or more of their court dates, then the person who posted the bail loses their money.