971. Bottomry

1) The criminal act of entering a residence or other enclosed property through the slightest amount of force without authorization. If there is intent to commit a crime, this is burglary.

972. Book Value

A determination of the value of a corporation's stock by adding up the stated value of corporate assets as shown on the books (records) of a corporation and deducting all the liabilities (debts) of the corporation. This may not be the true value of the corporation or its shares since the assets may be under- or over-valued.

973. Book Account

An account of a customer kept in a business ledger of debits and credits which shows the amount due at any given time. This can provide a clear basis for suing for a debt.

974. Booby Trap

A device set up to be triggered to harm or kill anyone entering the trap, such as a shotgun which will go off if a room is entered, or dynamite which will explode if the ignition key on an auto is turned. If a person sets up such a trap to protect his/her property, he/she will be liable for any injury or death even to an unwanted intruder such as a burglar. Setting a booby trap to even protect one's property is a crime.

975. Bondsman

1) someone who sells bail bonds 2) a surety (guarantor or insurance company, who/which provides bonds for performance

976. Bond

1) Written evidence of debt issued by a company with the terms of payment spelled out. A bond differs from corporate shares of stock since bond payments are pre-determined and provide a final pay off date, while stock dividends vary depending on profitability and corporate decisions to distribute. 2) Written guarantee or pledge which is purchased from a bonding company, or by an individual as security to guarantee some form of performance, including showing up in court .

977. Bona Fide Purchaser

commonly called BFP in legal and banking circles; a person who has purchased an asset for stated value, innocent of any fact which would cast doubt on the right of the seller to have sold it in good faith. This is vital if the true owner shows up to claim title, since the BFP will be able to keep the asset, and the real owner will have to look to the fraudulent seller for

recompense.

978. Bona Fide

Latin for "good faith," it signifies honesty, for example, "The defendant made a bona fide attempt to arrive in court on time"

979. Boilerplate

slang for provision in a contract, form or legal pleading which are apparently routine; the term comes from an old method of printing.

980. Boiler Room

a telephone bank operation in which fast-talking telemarketers or campaigners attempt to sell stock, services, goods, or candidates and act as if they are calling from an established company or brokerage; often the telemarketers are totally fraudulent and in violation of security laws