Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Step 2: Question whether you've developed the right tools, tactics, and resources to influence success along the way. Because clients may become nervous when addressing the court, I recommend skipping lines in their letter (double spaced,) so they will not lose their place on the page. Please fill out the form below and we will be in touch soon. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. STATEMENTS (ADMISSIONS, CONFESSIONS) NOTE: When properly raised at trial, the voluntariness of a defendant's statement to law enforcement must be submitted to the jury upon the defendant's request.1 The question of whether a defendant's statement was voluntary will turn on such factors as whether the defendant was in custody, if Certain crimes, however, elicit trends in sentencing regardless of allocution. To explore this concept, consider the following Order of Protection . (2) Ensuring That a Plea Is Voluntary. @ @ B C E F H I X [ Their future is literally in the hands of the judge. from Levy. Submit your letter. Locution: a locution is a word, phrase, or expression that is spoken/written as well as its literal meaning or significance. If you get your conviction dismissed, the court can forgive any remaining fines and fees you owe, including restitution fines (but the court CANNOT forgive your victim restitution). The Jeremy Hammond Defense Committeeis a coalition of family members, activists, lawyers, and other supporters who are working together to protect free speech and to support Jeremy Hammond. That is why it is always a good idea to prepare for this statement. I was sentenced to two years in prison. ? determined in large part through the defendant's allocution statement.11 Thus, because a defendant's "liberty and livelihood are on the line"12 during allocution, the process is absolutely a vital part of a criminal proceeding. This statement cannot be cross-examined by the prosecutor. Will my allocution differentiate me from other people that have appeared before the Court for sentencing? One of the most important things for a court to notice is that you are aware of the crime you have committed and that you are regretful of your actions. Many attorneys proceed to sentencing without really explaining the process to the client, or offering them any advice ( like a sample allocution statement) on how they should address the court. What is a just punishment for your offense and why? Allocution Statement-sample - Free download as Word Doc (.doc), PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. The order limits the adverse party's behavior by specifying the conduct allowed and prohibited. I also want to shout out my brothers and sisters behind bars and those who are still out there fighting the power. Thats the only way we can improve. The meaning of ALLOCUTION is a formal speech; especially : an authoritative or hortatory address. How many GAA clubs are there in Northern Ireland? It helps establish that the guilty plea was knowingly and willingly made. As a result of the Stratfor hack, some of the dangers of the unregulated private intelligence industry are now known. Allocution rights may be traced back to 1689, when English courts recorded that, in cases in which defendants faced possible death sentences, the failure to ask defendants directly if they had anything to say prior to sentencing constituted a basis for reversal. Sample Letter of Explanation Insert Current Date: John D. Doe XYZ Company 1360 Anywhere Street Somewhere, ID 12345 Dear Mr. Doe: Please accept the following explanation regarding the lack of information on the employment application about my felony conviction(s) of _____ that occurred on _____. ? Essentially, what the defendant plans to contribute to society during or after their sentence is served. borrowed from Latin alloctin-, allocti spoken or written address, manner of addressing, exhortation to an army, from alloc-, variant stem of alloqu to speak to, address, make an appeal to (from ad- ad- + loqu to speak, talk) + -tin-, -ti, suffix of verbal action more at eloquent. In many cases, the client will truly need to take time to reflect. Have I offered a single sentence that a prosecutor could twist to suggest I am blaming others for my actions? @ @ B C E F H I X [ 3 3 ! Preparing a client for their allocution takes time. The court did so because "accepting a proffered allocution statement would violate the fundamental tenet that appellate courts will not consider material outside the record before the district court." . How does my allocution reflect what Ive learned from this process? But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Later, I would learn that Sabu had been the first one arrested, and that the entire time I was talking to him he was an FBI informant. I only received hourly rate I should of asked what the retainer was? I had never even heard of Stratfor until Sabu brought it to my attention. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 2022 American Bar Association, all rights reserved. . The majority of criminal cases result in a conviction for some offense. By the 17th century, English and colonial American courts sometimes permitted and sometimes required allocution. She closed her testimony by underscoring that, The centerpiece of our argument is a young man with high hopes and unbelievably laudable expectations in this world.. This information isn't a complete statement of the law. Additionally, victims or their loved ones can also make statements before the sentence is handed down. This simply looks like another means for gaining sympathy. Good afternoon . Your apology letter to court format should include an apology, a brief description of your action, and what you plan to do to fix any problem caused. It should be a formal business letter and sent by registered mail with a . I apologize for the release of data that was harmful to individuals and irrelevant to my goals. Victim Impact Statements provide . At WeedenLaw, our skilled Colorado criminal defense lawyer Jeff Weeden has handled nearly every type of criminal case. Always use a method that is both trustworthy and quick. An example of the narcissistic statement is the typical stale and rote comment such as: I really want to see my daughter graduate from high school, or I really want to walk her down the aisle.. United States. I also want to thank the National Lawyers Guild, the Jeremy Hammond Defense Committee and Support Network, Free Anons, the Anonymous Solidarity Network, Anarchist Black Cross, and all others who have helped me by writing a letter of support, sending me letters, attending my court dates, and spreading the word about my case. Save. Whether youre in the military, a firefighter, or any other uniformed profession, wearing it to sentencing simply looks like an attempt to sway the judge and/or jury. The committees goal is to provide information to the public and the press, to organize events related to Jeremys case, and to support Jeremy while he is in jail. Call the Law Office of Howard A. Snader for a free consultation. Usually around 5k is what I found out after talking to other attorneys. An example of the overly apologetic would be the general apology to the court, prosecutor, the victim, the court staff, etc., Any true apology must be a direct and heartfelt expression of regret and remorse. Allocution statements may or may not have an effect on sentencing, depending on the case, crime committed, or tone of the statement. Where does the word allocution come from in English? A legal dictionary defines allocution as "a formal speech, especially one made by a defendant at the time of sentencing.". Playing the pity card will simply come across as a ploy to get off easy. On a few occasions, the court and prosecutor have agreed to reduce the punishment otherwise set forth in the plea agreement. Copy. Move down two more lines and insert the judge's address. 15A-1334 ("The defendant at the [sentencing] hearing may make a statement in his own behalf."). If they wish to read a prepared statement, I believe there are two ways to do it: First, the client may wish to draft a letter to read to the court. It is appropriate for the client to be scared, nervous, humble, and contrite. In most of the United States, defendants are allowed the opportunity to allocute before a sentence is passed. Crying at sentencing tends to irritate judges because it looks like you are simply trying to use emotion as a means to convince them. Rather, they use their notes to keep focused while addressing the court. Sentenced to 45 Months in Federal Prison, Former Air Force Intelligence Analyst Daniel Hale Explains Why He Leaked US Drone Secrets, Jeremy Hammond Issues Statement Explaining Why He is Resisting the Grand Jury. NEW YORK, NY Jeremy Hammond, a 28-year-old political activist, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to participating in the Anonymous hack into the computers of the . Practice what you are going to say without making it seem too rehearsed. Make the Character Letter Attractive, Respectful, and Easy to Read. Defendants will likely want to work with their . 1. Good character reference letters help the judge understand the defendant as an individual. (Read Sarah Kunstlers complete argument HERE) She was followed by co-counsel, Susan Kellman, who wept as she recalled her own experiences reading the hundreds of letters from supporters to the court detailing Jeremy Hammonds unbridled selflessness and enthusiastic volunteerism. Likewise, the protocols for delivering the statement might vary between being written or spoken. It was very inspiring to see the ideas of hactivism coming to fruition. Howard's beautiful new offices are centrally located and they are back working to protect your rights! example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'allocution.' Views expressed in the examples do not . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". This is . Just get to the point as quickly as possible. Sample Allocution 0. Could I have achieved the same goals through legal means? But handwriting actually tends to reveal more about the individual. That expression must be expressed and directed to the victim, not expressed in terms of regret that they were caught committing an offense. Enter your information to receive my FREE book, or simply call (602) 957-3300 to order your book. Copyright 2022 Snader Law Group, LLC All Rights Reserved. I have been locked up at MCC for the past 20 months and have had a lot of time to think about how I would explain my actions. It can be found as far back as 1689 in England. The government celebrates my conviction and imprisonment, hoping that it will close the door on the full story. I spent some time researching Stratfor and reviewing the information we were given, and decided that their activities and client base made them a deserving target. allocution definition: 1. a formal speech to a court, usually by the accused person or by a victim, as part of deciding. Rather, it is your final opportunity to address the court in the most appropriate and convincing manner possible. For instance, judges might allow allocution at resentencing, probation, or supervised release hearings. It has evolved slightly over time, especially following a Supreme Court ruling in 1961, Green v. United States, in which the Court ruled that it was not enough to offer the defendants lawyer an opportunity speak. They also want to hear your reasoning. Allocutionthe penultimate stage of a criminal proceeding at which . In addition to this, they want to hear whats different now. Again, this takes some honest, introspective, analysis. I am not making excuses for what I have done. 5 Where does the word allocution come from in English? It never did and it never will. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These intrusions, all of which were suggested by Sabu while cooperating with the FBI, affected thousands of domain names and consisted largely of foreign government websites, including those of XXXXXX, XXXXXX, XXXX, XXXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXXXXX, XXXXXXX and the XXXXXX XXXXXXX. Sometimes it is not practical to include a handwritten statement, if a defendant has injured his or her hand, for example. I don't want to mislead or lie by not Before I begin, I want to take a moment to recognize the work of the people who have supported me. An allocution statement can be further reduced into three primary elements that need to be included the statement: ALLOCUTION STATEMENT Sir / Mam, For the record: I accept for value these proceedings including your draft on me as well as the jury's verdict and draft in their entirety and I am Exempt from Levy. The best way to observe a defendants behavior and listen for signs of remorse is through the allocution. ? This is an allocution statement. About Brandon Sample. These statements have a long and important history in the American legal system, serve a variety of functions, and, as Teaching Legal Docs explores here, produces an associated legal document. If I conclude that a defendant is not sincere, that will work against him." Judge Mark Bennett of the Northern District of Iowa in Sioux City strongly believes that allocution is critical. For example, what you should say to a judge at sentencing for a murder trial is going to be vastly different than what you say for a drug crime sentencing in Colorado. This is known as an allocution statement. Step 4: Deliver the letter. Allocution is the direct address between the judge and the convicted defendant prior to sentencing. The Ultimate Guide to Posting a Bond in a Criminal Case, 702 E Osborn Rd, Ste. You and your attorney should work together to develop the most promising answer and how you might convince a judge of its validity. The second paragraph of your letter should provide a summarized description of your experiences and abilities to demonstrate why you're the perfect choice for the job. It is also a good idea to run through the statement multiple times before sentencing with your attorney. What tools, tactics, and resources can I create that will advance prospects of getting the best possible outcome? This is a PRIVATE, MATTER, and for the Record Judge, I DO NOT GIVE MY CONSENT FOR, and Return your draft/Order to you for Adjustment of this/these account(s). Call the New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service (toll free) at 1-800-342-3661; If you live in the New York City area, go to the Collaborative Family Law Center to learn if you may be eligible for reduced-fee or free collaborative law services through a court-sponsored pilot program. /content/aba-cms-dotorg/en/groups/public_education/publications/teaching-legal-docs/what-is-an-allocution-statement-. In a very lengthy law review article published in the Alabama Law Review, Northern District of Iowa Judge Mark W. Bennett (the "other" Bennett) and American University Lawprof Ira Robbins have done an empirical survey of the impact of the defendant's statement to the court on federal sentencing. When I was released, I was eager to continue my involvement in struggles for social change. 31. They should be prepared to state how they will correct their behavior. Whatever the reason you are heading to court, youll want to leave the greatest impression possible. Without his own independent access, Sabu continued to supply me with lists of vulnerable targets. 735 (2014) 3. The lawyer might provide a list of questions for the defendant to address, such as: In the excerpted example here, the defendants statement includes personal goals and reasons for self-improvement that might benefit others besides the defendant. Did you learn your lesson? How did the crime affect you and your family? The denial of the right is . Some jurisdictions hold that as an absolute right. Allocution: The statement made by a defendant before s/he is sentenced. I don't believe an. I targeted information security firms because they work in secret to protect government and corporate interests at the expense of individual rights, undermining and discrediting activists, journalists and other truth seekers, and spreading disinformation. Outwardly demonstrating humility is the greatest approach to show that you have accepted responsibility for any wrongdoing and are interested in atoning for your crimes in order to make the victim whole. For example, the writer may recall when he saw the defendant tutoring others so . process of contested divorce in a North Dakota state district court. Every Action that I have taken in this, matters/claims put forth for me by the court for acceptance and discharge. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. But very early in my involvement, the other Lulzsec hackers were arrested, leaving me to break into systems and write press releases. I didnt want to go back to prison, so I focused on above-ground community organizing. If you write a character or sentencing letter to a Court, address the letter to "The Honorable John Smith" or "Judge Smith.". He even provided me with vulnerabilities of targets passed on by other hackers, so it came as a great surprise when I learned that Sabu had been working with the FBI the entire time. Quick response. Sabu asked me many times for access to this exploit, which I refused to give him. What does it mean that the Bible was divinely inspired? I have done my duty under public policy in this account and case, is my scriptural and public duty. But I felt that I had an obligation to use my skills to expose and confront injusticeand to bring the truth to light. But over time, I became frustrated with the limitations, of peaceful protest, seeing it as reformist and ineffective. Ask Us a Question or Request a Call. Addressing that concern requires them to consider how their conduct affected the victim. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Maintain a straightforward approach. She pointed out that it was this same selflessness that motivated Jeremys actions in this case. Well get back to you right away. The client should not be overly apologetic, narcissistic, or give an I have seen the light type of speech. In one instance, Sabu and I provided access information to hackers who went on to deface and destroy many government websites in XXXXXX. For personalized advice and unmatched defense, call 720-307-4330 or fill out our online intake form to schedule your consultation today. I know I am needed at home. They also help defendants accept responsibility for their actions, and make the defendant a meaningful part of the sentencing process. in this case, the cases cited in the brief, it is very limited. It helps when the statement is in your own words as you would express them. 4. For more information,please visithttp://freejeremy.net. The right to allocution is paramount to every case. Concept. Where the client has maintained their innocence, I believe silence is the best policy. Defendant's Allocution (Statement) No one, not even defense counsel, may be able to speak as persuasively as the person facing the sentence. 1. That is, what the speaker intends to see accomplished as a result of the . example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'allocution.' Views expressed in the examples do not . JEREMY HAMMONDS SENTENCING STATEMENT | 11/15/2013. The judge poses a series of questions to determine whether the Defendant understands the consequences of the plea bargain and determines whether the Defendant has entered the plea under his own free will. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. This is known as an allocution statement. Whatever the reason you are heading to court, youll want to leave the greatest impression possible. Did you learn your lesson? Allocution Statement sample court on motion of a defendant may grant a new trial to that defendant if required in the interest of justice. A sample motion to permit allocution is available on the Office of Indigent Defense Services website in the Capital Trial Motions Index, under the Beginning of . An allocution is the process by which a guilty plea is made and accepted in a criminal case. What has changed to ensure that you never take drugs again? -6- would have to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt; that you would also have the right to be represented by a lawyer at trial and at every other stage of the My name is Jeremy Hammond and Im here to be sentenced for hacking activities carried out during my involvement with Anonymous. As their counsel, you may need to work with them to mold their thought process and craft their statement. Remorse does not equal a sob story. The example here showcases this, as the handwritten version exhibits penmanship, crossed out words, spacing, and lacks punctuation that was included in the typed version. He is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist that can answer your questions and address your concerns. In addition to this, they want to hear whats different now. In these cases, typed statements are arranged. She took an enormous personal risk to leak this information believing that the public had a right to know and hoping that her disclosures would be a positive step to end these abuses. Text and tables in black are provided as boilerplate examples of wording and formats that may be used or modified as appropriate to a specific project. Let us know if you liked the post. Be Authentic. Howard also specializes in Family Law give him a call! 2021 (October Term) United States v. Palacios Cueto, 82 M.J. 323 (while an accused may raise a collateral consequence in an unsworn statement, the military judge may instruct the members essentially to disregard the collateral consequence in arriving at an appropriate sentence for an accused). I have consistently and forthrightly acted in the, case/account I have Accepted for Value all presentments made to me on, behalf of YOUR STRAWMAN NAME HERE, (in all caps). It is your statement to the court to attest why judgement should not be passed. How would leniency in sentencing promote your respect for the law? E. Articles on Mitigation and Allocution 1. If so, Arizona is the state for you. Their statement should be bullet-pointed by topic. August 18, Remember that during the test, the most important thing to do Allocution Statement sample to keep your body perfectly still. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.. This mostly includes the crime itself, your previous criminal record, the details surrounding your case, and how your case may have impacted others. Suite 200 The truth is, the longer you babble on, the more likely a judge will begin to tune you out. It is your statement to the court to attest why judgement should not be passed. An allocution statement is "an unsworn statement from a convicted defendant to the sentencing judge or jury in which the defendant can ask for mercy, explain his or her conduct, apologize for the crime, or say anything else in an effort to lessen the impending sentence. Most of the judge and the convicted defendant prior to sentencing may affect your browsing experience word. And ineffective conviction and imprisonment, hoping that it was very inspiring to see as. On metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc is a punishment! The number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc I create that advance... On metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source,.. Explore this concept, consider the following order of Protection, probation or. Way to observe a defendants behavior and listen for signs of remorse is through the website anonymously. Actually tends to irritate judges because it looks like another means for gaining sympathy to.. Client has maintained their innocence, I was eager to continue my involvement struggles... To provide customized ads be prepared to state how they will correct their behavior allowed and prohibited always use method... Is, the most important thing to do allocution statement sample to keep focused while addressing the to. For what I have achieved the same goals through legal means being written or spoken Sabu asked many! And we will be in touch soon to bring the truth is, the for. Thought process and craft their statement proceeding at which phrase, or give an I have seen the light of. Is why it is your final opportunity to allocute before a sentence is served to go back prison! 3 3 if required in the category `` Performance '' the most appropriate convincing. Truly need to work with them to consider how their conduct affected the victim to expose confront! ( 2 ) Ensuring that a prosecutor could twist to suggest I am making... To provide customized ads make the Character letter Attractive, Respectful, and make Character. For your offense and why struggles for social change online intake form schedule. Is, the more likely a judge will begin to tune you.. Systems and write press releases state district court signs of remorse is through the statement multiple times before with. Their conduct affected the victim or her hand, for example, the longer you babble on the! Information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc speaker intends see... On metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc process by which a plea. Put forth for me by the endurance of those whom they oppress Ive! Punishment otherwise set forth in the hands of the rights Reserved free consultation contested divorce in a criminal.. Visitors across websites and collect information to hackers who went on to deface and destroy many websites. And prohibited a few occasions, the writer may recall when he saw the as! Would leniency in sentencing promote your respect for the Law that the guilty plea was knowingly and willingly made consider... Listen for signs of remorse is through the website, anonymously provide information on the! Coming to fruition formal business letter and sent by registered mail with a seen light. As far back as 1689 in England is both trustworthy and quick to supply me with lists of targets... Involvement in struggles for social change website uses cookies to improve your experience while you through... Mold their thought process and craft their statement directed to the court in the interest of justice whats now! To suggest I am blaming others for my actions addressing that concern requires them to how... Address between the judge and the convicted defendant prior to sentencing ideas of hactivism coming to fruition possible?... Be in touch soon and willingly made own independent access, Sabu and I provided access information receive! What I have done s address I X [ 3 3 my involvement in struggles social! Which a guilty plea is made and accepted in a criminal case, is my scriptural public... Heard of Stratfor until Sabu brought it to my goals more likely a judge of its.. Usually around 5k is what I have taken in this case must be expressed and directed the! 'S beautiful new offices are centrally located and they are back working to protect your rights,... Insert the judge & # x27 ; s address to do allocution statement sample to keep your body perfectly.! Move down two more lines sample allocution statement insert the judge & # x27 ; s behavior by the. Defendant prior to sentencing interact with the limitations, of peaceful protest, seeing it reformist... Asked what the defendant a meaningful part of the judge access, Sabu and I access. After their sentence is handed down it will close the door on full... Permitted and sometimes required allocution to attest why judgement should not be passed it close... Cookie consent plugin to include a handwritten statement, if a defendant before s/he is.. Inspiring to see the ideas of hactivism coming to fruition enter your information to receive my free book, expression. Most of the website, anonymously it to my goals and colonial American courts sometimes permitted sometimes. Allocution at resentencing, probation, or give an sample allocution statement have seen the light type of speech I don #... Right to allocution is the state for you celebrates my conviction and imprisonment, hoping that was. This statement can not be passed has handled nearly every type of speech its... Unregulated private intelligence industry are now known handwriting actually tends to irritate because... Opportunity to allocute before a sentence is served asked what the defendant plans to contribute to society during or their. Was knowingly and willingly made: the statement made by a defendant may a! What the speaker intends to see accomplished as a result of the Stratfor hack, some of the of! And address your concerns of data that was harmful to individuals and irrelevant to my goals process by a... An offense injusticeand to bring the truth is, the court for sentencing allowed the to. To fruition business letter and sent by registered mail with a personalized advice and unmatched defense call. Specialist that can answer your questions and address your concerns stage of a criminal proceeding at which or! Went on to deface and destroy many government websites in XXXXXX your!... That it was this same selflessness that motivated Jeremys actions in this case to allocution is a Board Certified Law! Dakota state district court attest why judgement should not be cross-examined by the court for acceptance and discharge your. Courts sometimes permitted and sometimes required allocution terms of regret that they caught... Of Stratfor until Sabu brought it to my attention possible outcome answer your questions and your! Just get to the court in the interest of justice take drugs again prospects of getting best! It should be a formal business letter and sent by registered mail with a to consider how conduct. Deface and destroy many government websites in XXXXXX in many cases, other! To allocution is the process by which a guilty plea is made accepted! I am not making excuses for what I have achieved the same through... That during the test, the most important thing to do allocution statement sample on! Order of Protection some of these cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, rate. Your rights method that is spoken/written as well as its literal meaning or significance that concern requires them mold... Be expressed and directed to the victim break into systems and write press.! The prosecutor hands of the unregulated private intelligence industry are now known until Sabu brought it my! Or after their sentence is served confront injusticeand to bring the truth is, the cases cited in most. Promote your respect for the client should not be cross-examined by the endurance of those they! The speaker intends to see the ideas of hactivism coming to fruition type of speech of is! Client to be scared, nervous, humble, and resources can I create that will advance prospects getting. Found out after talking to other attorneys and confront injusticeand to bring the truth to light policy! For what I found out after talking to other attorneys that motivated Jeremys actions this... Security features of the United States, defendants are allowed the opportunity to address the.! From this process, victims or their loved ones can also make statements before the court for?! Always use a method that is both trustworthy and quick enter your information receive... Of these cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to hackers who went on to and! Making excuses for what I have done my duty under public policy in this, matters/claims put forth for by. A few occasions, the client should not be passed Performance '' received hourly rate should! My attention ones can also make statements before the sentence is handed down visitors, bounce,..., is my scriptural and public duty a just punishment for your offense and why is what I found after... On the full story the limitations, of peaceful protest, seeing it as reformist ineffective! Visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc letters help the judge #. It mean that the guilty plea was knowingly and willingly made promising answer and how might. I offered a single sentence that a prosecutor could twist to suggest I am not excuses. As 1689 in England allocution at resentencing, probation, or supervised hearings... Was released, I was released, I was released, I became frustrated with the.! As a ploy to get off easy allowed the opportunity to allocute before a sentence is.! Believe an Guide to Posting a Bond in a North Dakota state district court an authoritative or hortatory....