981. Blue Sky Laws

laws intended to protect the public from purchasing stock in fraudulent companies that lack substance, such as those selling swamp land, non-existent gold strikes and dry oil wells, or who have no assets besides a post office box

982. Blue Ribbon Jury

jury selected from prominent, well-educated citizens, sometimes to investigate a particular problem such as civic corruption; use of blue ribbon juries in criminal cases violates the right to have a jury of one's peers

983. Blue Laws

state or local laws which prohibit certain activities particularly entertainment, sports, or drinking on Sunday, often see to honor the Christian Sabbath

984. Blackmail

the crime of threatening to reveal embarrassing, disgraceful or damaging facts (or rumors) about a person to the public, family, spouse or associates unless paid off to not carry out the threat

985. Binder

written statement of the key terms of an agreement, in particular insurance policies, so that the insured as well as lenders can be assured there is valid and adequate insurance coverage.

986. Bill Of Rights

the first ten amendments to the federal Constitution

987. Bill Of Particulars

written itemization of claims which a defendant in a lawsuit can demand of the plaintiff to find out what are the details of the claims

988. Bill Of Lading

receipt obtained by the shipper of goods from the carrier (trucking company, railroad, ship or air freighter) for shipment to a particular buyer; it is a contract protecting the shipper by guaranteeing payment and satisfies the carrier that the recipient has proof of the right to the goods

989. Bill Of Exchange

a writing by a party (maker or drawer) ordering another (payor) to pay a certain amount to a third party (payee); it is the same as a draft; a bill of exchange drawn on a bank account is a "check"

990. Bill Of Attainder

legislative act which declares a named person guilty of a crime, particularly treason; such bills are prohibited by Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution.