Bail

— The release, prior to trial, of a person accused of a crime, under specified conditions designed to assure that person's appearance in court when required. Also can refer to the amount of bond money posted as a financial condition of pretrial release.

Beneficiary

— Someone who is entitled to a benefit (e.g. under a will or trust).

Bequest

— A gift of money or personal property made in someone's will.

Brief

— A written statement submitted in a trial or appellate proceeding that explains one side's legal and factual arguments.

Burden of proof

— The duty to prove disputed facts. In civil cases, a plaintiff generally has the burden of proving his or her case. In criminal cases, the government has the burden of proving the defendant's guilt. (See standard of proof.)