Body politic n. The people who are subjected to or owe allegiance to a single organized political government authority, such as a state or country. Boilerplate n. Any standardized language…
Bluebook n. The most frequently used guide on how to cite court case, statutes, treatises, law review articles, legislative debates and hearings, and other authorities on the status and interpretation…
Blackacre n. The name of fictitious piece of land frequently used, especially in law school, when discussing concepts and issues of the law concerning real property and future interests. When…
Bill of sale n. A document that conveys title to personal property from a seller to a buyer. Bind v. To subject to a legal obligation. Binder n. 1 A…
Bill of pains and particulars n. Any legislative act similar to a bill of attainder that imposes a punishment less severe than death. Bill of particulars n. In criminal law,…
Bill of costs n. An itemized and certified (or verified) list of the expenses incurred by the prevailing party in a lawsuit. The pleading is submitted to assist the court…
Bid-shopping v. The legitimate practice whereby a general contractor, after being awarded a contract, tries to reduce his own costs by disclosing to interested subcontractors the lowest bids he received…
Betterment n. An improvement that adds to the value of real property. Beyond a reasonable doubt n. The standard for conviction in a criminal trial; evidence sufficient to convince a…
Bequeath v. To give a gift of personal property by means of a will. Bequest n. 1 A gift of personal property (usually other than money) by means of a…
Bench ruling n. An oral decision given, or a written decision read aloud, by a judge to the parties and their lawyers from the bench. Beneficial n. A right or…
Battle of the forms n. The conflict between the incompatible terms in preprinted standardized forms exchanged by a buyer and seller while negotiating a contract. Bearer n. A person in…
Barter 1 n. The exchange of goods or services without the use of money. 2 v. To negotiate, engage in, or conclude a barter. Basis n. The amount or value…