Terms starting with "B"

Burden of Proof The obligation of a party in a legal dispute to provide sufficient evidence to support their claims. In criminal cases, this burden rests entirely on the prosecution. Bureau Bureau is a federal department, agency, office, or public institution connected to the administration of federal law, services, records, or policy. Block Grant A sum of federal money given to a state or local government for a broad, general purpose, allowing the recipient significant discretion in how the funds are spent, with fewer federal strings attached than categorical grants. Blue Slip An informal Senate tradition allowing a senator from the state where a federal judicial vacancy exists to approve or block the president’s nomination for that seat. If a senator returns a negative blue slip, the Senate Judiciary Committee traditionally will not hold a hearing. Brief A brief is a written legal document that presents a party's arguments, relevant law, and reasons the court should rule in that party's favor. Appellate courts rely heavily on briefs, and court rules specify their format, length, timing, and permitted content. Budget A budget is a plan for expected revenue and spending over a defined period. The federal budget process includes the President's budget request, congressional budget decisions, authorization and appropriations legislation, and execution by agencies. A budget plan does not itself provide every agency with legal authority to spend money. Budget Authority Budget authority is legal permission for a federal agency to incur financial obligations that will result in government spending. Congress usually provides budget authority through appropriations laws, which specify purposes, amounts, and time limits. Budget authority is distinct from actual outlays, which occur when the government pays money. Bill of Rights The collective name for the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791. These amendments guarantee essential rights and civil liberties to individuals, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, and place explicit limits on the power of the federal government. Bill Summary A bill summary is a concise explanation of a bill's main provisions and purpose. Congress.gov may provide summaries prepared by congressional staff or committees, and a bill may have more than one summary as it changes during the legislative process. A summary is a navigation aid, not a substitute for the actual bill text. Binding Arbitration A form of alternative dispute resolution where parties agree to submit their conflict to a neutral third party (an arbitrator) whose decision is final and legally enforceable, waiving their right to a traditional court trial. Binding Precedent Binding precedent is a prior court decision that a lower court must follow when the earlier decision governs the legal issue and the facts fall within its scope. The effect of precedent depends on the court hierarchy, the jurisdiction, and what the earlier court actually decided. Bipartisan Relating to, supported by, or involving members of two major political parties. In the U.S. context, it typically refers to legislation or actions that receive significant support from both Democrats and Republicans.