Bail :
Bail is the common term used for the release of an imprisoned person whilst they await trial. The offender is given over to the custody of people who will ensure he or she appears in court on a particular date. These custodians, or 'sureties', forfeit a sum of money if the offender fails to appear in court - this cash sum is often called bail money.
Bailiff :
A bailiff is a representative of the courts who enforces court orders - particularly warrants that authorize the seizure of goods from a debtor. In England and Wales, a bailiff is usually an officer of the County Courts, and in Scotland the term is often used to describe an officer of the Sheriff's Courts.
Bankruptcy :
When an individual cannot pay their debts, and all their property is distributed to the people he or she owes money to - called the creditors. The process is called bankruptcy, and prevents people from avoiding paying their debts. Modern bankruptcy law actually states under what circumstances someone can be made bankrupt, outlines what share of his or her property can be distributed, and even suggest which creditors have most priority to be paid. Liquidation is the term for bankruptcy that relates to a company or business. (See Liquidation.)
Barrister :
A barrister is a legal practitioner in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that take their name from the process of being called to the Bar during their training. Barristers represent individuals in court, and provide them with specialist legal advice at the request of a solicitor. In Scotland, barristers are referred to as advocates. (See Advocate.)
Battery :
Battery is the use of actual force in a physical assault. (See Assault.)
Bill of indictment :
A bill of indictment is a written, formal accusation that charges someone with an indictable offence that usually takes place in a magistrates' court. (See Indictment.)
Blackmail :
Blackmail is a criminal offence that involves making demands of another person with menaces, in order to gain money, goods or influence from them.
Breach of confidence :
A breach of confidence means to reveal confidential information, or to ignore a court injunction that stipulates such information cannot be disclosed.
Breach of the peace :
A breach of the peace is an offence relating to a disturbance caused when a person or their property is threatened with harm or harmed in their presence. It can also relate to an individual's fear of being harmed by an assault or other form of disturbance. A magistrate in England and Wales can only force an individual to keep the peace, but in Scotland a breach of the peace is an arrestable offence.
Burglary :
Burglary is the process whereby a person unlawfully enters a building to attempt or commit certain criminal offences. These include stealing property, doing unlawful damage, inflicting grievous bodily harm and committing rape. Before 1968, burglary could only be committed at night.
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