South Carolina Bail Bonds Practice Exam

What is referred to when a person has willfully fled from prosecution?

1. Defendant

2. Fugitive

3. Exculpatory

4. Responder

The correct answer is: Fugitive

The term that refers to a person who has willfully fled from prosecution is "fugitive." A fugitive is typically someone who has evaded arrest or prosecution, often due to committing a crime or being accused of one. In the context of criminal law, when an individual avoids legal processes, such as not appearing in court or escaping custody, they are labeled as a fugitive because they are deliberately trying to evade the legal system and its consequences. In contrast, a defendant is someone who has been formally charged in a court of law; exculpatory relates to evidence that may exonerate the accused or lessen their culpability; and responder doesn’t fit the legal terminology associated with fleeing prosecution. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for comprehending the larger context of criminal proceedings and the implications of fleeing from justice.