Bail Common

What does Bail Common mean in American Law?

The definition of Bail Common in the law of the United States, as defined by the lexicographer Arthur Leff in his legal dictionary is:

Also called “common bail.” A now superceded fictitious English procedure serving no purpose other than formally to enter the defendant”s appearance, having the form of special bail (see bail below) but with imaginary persons, e.g., John Doe and Richard Roe, for sureties.