991. Bill

1) what is commonly called a "check" by which the signer requires the bank to pay a third party a sum of money; this is a holdover from the days when a person would draw up a "bill of exchange" 2) a statement of what is owed 3) any paper money 4) legislative proposal for the enactment of a law; it is called a bill until it is passed and signed, at which time it is a law (statute) and is no longer referred to as a bill 5) an old-fashioned term for various filed documents in lawsuits or criminal prosecutions, which is falling into disuse

992. Bilateral Contract

an agreement in which the parties exchange promises for each to do something in the future

993. Bifurcate

the order or ruling of a judge that one issue in a case can be tried to a conclusion or a judgment given on one phase of the case without trying all aspects of the matter

994. Bias

the predisposition of a judge, arbitrator, prospective juror, or anyone making a judicial decision, against or in favor of one of the parties or class of persons

995. Beyond A Reasonable Doubt

part of jury's instructions in all criminal trials; in which the jurors are told that they can only find the defendant guilty if they are convinced "beyond a reasonable doubt" of his or her guilt; sometimes referred to as "to a moral certainty," the phrase is fraught with uncertainty as to meaning, however; criminal justice experts have concluded that it would mean being 99% sure; in civil court to find someone liable they would have to only take greater than 50% fault

996. Best Evidence Rule

legal doctrine that an original piece of evidence--particularly a document--is superior to a copy; if the original is available, a copy will not be allowed as evidence in a trial

997. Bequest

the gift of personal property under the terms of a will

998. Bequeath

1) to give personal property under provisions of a will 2) the act of giving any asset by the terms of a will

999. Benefit Of Counsel

having the opportunity to have an attorney and legal advice in any legal matter, but particularly while appearing in court

1000. Benefit

1) any profit or acquired right or privilege, primarily through a contract 2) in worker's compensation the term "benefit" is the insurance payment resulting from a fatal accident on the job, while "compensation" is for injury without death 3) In income taxation, anything that brings economic gain