What term describes the document that allows a defendant to go free while awaiting trial?

The term that describes the document allowing a defendant to go free while awaiting trial is "bail." Bail serves as a financial guarantee to the court that the defendant will return for their scheduled court appearances. When a defendant posts bail, they are given permission to leave custody under the condition that they comply with the court's directives.

Bail is a crucial aspect of the criminal justice system that aims to balance the presumption of innocence with the need to ensure that defendants return to court. It varies in amount based on the charges and the defendant’s flight risk. This ensures that individuals are not incarcerated unnecessarily before their trial, preserving their freedom unless they are deemed a danger or a flight risk.

In contrast, the other choices pertain to different aspects of the criminal justice system: sentencing relates to the punishment imposed after a conviction, probation is a court-ordered period of correctional supervision in the community instead of serving time in prison, and parole involves the conditional release of a prisoner who has served part of their sentence. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the role and importance of bail in the justice process.