Glossary of Terms Index

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Glossary of Legal Terms - B

Bail: Person under arrest released under a promise to answer the charges laid in court. Usually requiring a monetary security.

Bailiff: An officer of the District Court who serves process and executes judgments.

Barrister: A lawyer whose main function is to represent persons in court.

Bearer: A person who bears, that is who is in possession.

Beneficial owner: the owner of the legal interest in something, the "real" owner.

Beneficiary: Person who is to be left money or property by way of a will, insurance policy or gift of deed of title.

Bequeath: To make a gift in a will.

Bequest: A gift which is left in a will which is not real estate, e,g money, valuables.

Beyond a reasonable doubt: Amount of proof needed to be able to be found guilty of a crime.

Bigamy: To be married to two peoploe at the same time.

Bill of Lading: A document specifying the details of goods being shipped.

Bill of sale: Document wghich proves that a transfer of personal property has been completed byways of money or other security.

Binding: Legally enforceable.

Blackmail: To force a person or persons into giving up something of value by threats of exposing innapropriate information, physical injury or extortionate claims be it true ot false.

Body Corporate: An association, group of people or a person which by law is a single entity which may manage many things including the land and common property of a block of townhouses or units.

Bona fide: In good faith.

Bond: Written promise topay sum of money or do something at a future date.

Boycott: To refuse to deal with someone.

Breach: Failure to uphold ones' part of a contract, violation of legal duty or the law. To break, to refuse to honour a contractual promise or an equitable duty.

Breach of the peace: Disorderly or violent behaviour causing a disturbance to a community.

Bribery: Crime of giving someone a valuable item or money to induce or persuade a disregard for law or duty.

Brief: Written summary by a solicitor of a clients law case to be given to the barrister.

Burden of proof: The obligation to prove something.

By-Laws: Regulations adopted by a corporation, municipal council or other organisation that controls the way they will do business.