Bench
The seat occupied by the judge.
Bench Trial
A trial without a jury, in which a judge decides the facts.
Bench Warrant
An order issued by a judge for the arrest of a person.
Beneficiary
Someone named to receive property or benefits in a will or a person who is to receives benefits from a trust.
Bequeath
To give a gift to someone through a will.
Bequests
Gifts made in a will.
Best Evidence
Primary evidence; the best evidence available. Evidence short of this is "secondary." That is, an original letter is "best evidence," and a photocopy is "secondary evidence."
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
The standard in a criminal case requiring that the jury be satisfied to a moral certainty that every element of a crime has been proven by the prosecution. This standard of proof does not require that the state establish absolute certainty by eliminating all doubt, but it does require that the evidence be so conclusive that all reasonable doubts are removed from the mind of the ordinary person.
Bill of Particulars
A statement of the details of the charge made against the defendant.
Bind Over
To hold a person for trial on bond (bail) or in jail. If the judicial official conducting a hearing finds probable cause to believe the accused committed a crime, the official will bind over the accused, normally by setting bail for the accused's appearance at trial.