Attorney of Record
The principal attorney in a lawsuit, who signs all formal documents relating to the suit.
Attorney-at-Law
An advocate or counsel legally qualified to prepare, manage, and try cases in the courts.
Attorney-in-Fact
A private person (who is not necessarily a lawyer) who is authorized by another to act in his or her place for a non-legal purpose, either for some specific act or for the transaction of business in general. This authority is conferred by an instrument in writing, called a letter of attorney, or more commonly a power of attorney.
Bail
Money or other security (such as a bail bond) provided to the court to temporarily allow a person's release from jail and assure their appearance in court. "Bail" and "bond" are often used interchangeably.
Bail Bond
An obligation signed by the accused to secure his or her presence at the trial. This obligation means that the accused may lose money by not properly appearing for the trial. Often referred to simply as bond.
Bailiff
A court attendant who keeps order in the courtroom and has custody of the jury.
Bankruptcy
Refers to statutes and judicial proceedings involving persons or businesses that cannot pay their debts and seek the assistance of the court in getting a fresh start. Under the protection of the bankruptcy court, debtors may be released from or "discharged" from their debts, perhaps by paying a portion of each debt. Bankruptcy judges preside over these proceedings. The person with the debts is called the debtor and the people or companies to whom the debtor owes money to are called creditors.
Bar
The term means the whole body of lawyers authorized to practice law in a particular jurisdiction.
Bar Examination
A state examination taken by prospective lawyers in order to be admitted and licensed to practice law.
Battery
The use of force against another, resulting in harmful or offensive contact. The actual threat to use force is an assault; the use of it is a battery, which usually includes an assault.