SURETY OF THE PEACE, crim. law. A security entered into before. Some competent court or officer, by a party accused, together with some other person, in the form of recognizance to the commonwealth1 in a certain sum of money, with, a condition that the accused shall keep the peace towards all the citizens of the commonwealth. A security for good behaviour is a similar recognizance with a condition that the accused shall be of good behaviour.
2. This security may be demanded by a court or officer having jurisdiction2 from all persons who threatened to kill or to, injure others, or who by their acts give reason to believe they will commit a breach3 of the peace. And even after an acquittal a prisoner may be required to give scourity of the peace or good behaviour, when the circumstances of the case justify4 a court in believing the public good requires it. 2 Yeates, R. 437 Bac. Ab. h. t.; 1 Binn. R. 98, note; Com. Dig. h. t.; Yin. Ab. h. t.; Bl. Com. B. 4, c. 18, p. 251.
3. To obtain surety to keep the peace, the party requiring it must swear or affirm be fears a present or future danger, and not merely swear or affirm to a breach of the peace which is past; it is usual, however, to state such injuries, and when the circumstances warrant it, a threat of their repetition, as a legitimate5 ground for fearing future injury, which fear must always be stated. 1 Chit. Pr. 677.
4. A recognizance to keep the peace is forfeited6 only by an actual attack or threat of bodily harm, or burning a house, and the like, but not by bare words Of h an choler. Hawk7. h. 1, c. 60, s. 2. Vide Good Behaviour.
