Article: The ancient art of bail, bonds.

COLUMBIA, S.C. _ For bail bond agents, getting people out of jail is an everyday affair.

But for family members or friends of someone in jail, getting the person released can be a confusing and costly experience.

``Basically, most people just don't understand at all,'' said Forest Smith, who runs Smith Bail Bonding from his home in St. George.

Bailing someone out of jail takes money or property. But when the tradition began hundreds of years ago, it could cost you your freedom.

Under English common law, someone accused of a crime could get out of jail if another person guaranteed that the accused would show up for court. But if the ...

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