Who sets the bond or bail?

• A. Judge
• B. Court clerk
• C. Sheriff
• D. Magistrate

Answer: (D)

Bail is set at the defendant’s first court appearance by a magistrate. This official handles preliminary matters and decides whether the person can be released pending trial, including the amount of bail and any conditions. The clerk records the decision and handles paperwork, but doesn’t determine release terms. The sheriff’s role is custody and transport, not setting bail. While a judge can set bail in other contexts, the scenario described aligns with the magistrate making the initial bail decision.