Legal Terms: B

Dishonesty or fraud in a transaction; a willful failure to respond to plain demands or a refusal to fulfill contractual duties.

Money or property deposited with the court to secure the release of a defendant from custody, ensuring their appearance at future court proceedings.

A person who receives personal property from another for a specific purpose, such as safekeeping or repair, under a bailment agreement.

A court officer responsible for maintaining order in the courtroom and assisting the judge during proceedings.

The delivery of personal property by one person to another for a specific purpose, with the understanding that the property will be returned.

A federal legal proceeding that provides debt relief to individuals and businesses unable to pay their debts, governed by Title 11 of the U.S. Code.

Misuse of the bankruptcy system, such as filing in bad faith or concealing assets, which may result in dismissal or denial of discharge.

All legal and equitable interests of the debtor in property at the time of filing, which becomes part of the estate subject to administration by the trustee.

Property that a debtor is allowed to keep during bankruptcy, protected from liquidation under federal or state exemption statutes.

A non-attorney who prepares bankruptcy documents for a fee, subject to strict regulations and prohibited from offering legal advice.

Forms filed by the debtor listing all assets, liabilities, income, expenses, and contracts, providing a comprehensive picture of the debtor's financial situation.

A professional organization for lawyers that may be voluntary or mandatory (integrated bar) for practicing in a jurisdiction.

The intentional and unlawful physical contact with another person without their consent. Distinguished from assault, which involves the threat of contact.

A trial conducted before a judge without a jury, where the judge serves as both the finder of fact and the arbiter of law.

A person who enjoys the benefits of ownership of a security even though legal title may be registered in another name, such as a street name.

A person or entity designated to receive benefits from a trust, will, insurance policy, or other legal arrangement.

The most effective pollution control technology that is economically achievable for an industrial category, used as a standard under the Clean Water Act.

The highest standard of proof in the legal system, used in criminal cases. The prosecution must prove each element of the crime to a moral certainty.

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791, guaranteeing fundamental individual liberties and limiting government power.

A document prepared by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or NOAA Fisheries evaluating whether a proposed federal action is likely to jeopardize a listed species or destroy critical habitat.

An SEC or FINRA request for trading data from broker-dealers used to investigate potential insider trading or market manipulation.

State-level securities regulations designed to protect investors from fraudulent sales practices and securities fraud.

The highest administrative body for interpreting and applying immigration law, hearing appeals from immigration judge decisions.

Latin for 'in good faith.' Refers to actions or transactions made honestly, without fraud or deception.

A person who purchases property in good faith, for value, and without notice of any competing claims or defects in title.

A financial guarantee posted to ensure performance of an obligation. In criminal law, a bail bond secures a defendant's release from custody.

A disagreement between adjoining property owners about the location of their common boundary line.

A HIPAA requirement that covered entities and business associates notify affected individuals, HHS, and sometimes the media following a breach of unsecured protected health information.

The failure of a party to perform their obligations under a contract without a legal excuse.

A written legal argument submitted to a court, outlining the facts, legal issues, and arguments in support of a party's position.

A person or firm engaged in the business of buying and selling securities for its own account or on behalf of customers, regulated by FINRA and the SEC.

A property where expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.

The obligation of a party to prove their allegations or claims to a specified standard (e.g., preponderance of evidence, beyond a reasonable doubt).

The federal agency within the Department of the Interior responsible for administering programs and services for federally recognized Indian tribes.

The unlawful entry into a building or structure with the intent to commit a crime inside, typically theft.

A person or entity that performs functions or services for a covered entity involving the use or disclosure of protected health information.

A contract between a covered entity and a business associate that establishes the permitted uses and disclosures of protected health information by the business associate.

Rules adopted by a corporation or organization governing its internal affairs, including procedures for meetings, elections, and management.