Terms starting with "B"

Bill of Attainder A bill of attainder is a law that legislatively identifies a person or group for punishment without a judicial trial. The U.S. Constitution prohibits bills of attainder at the federal level and prohibits states from enacting them. The prohibition limits the legislature's ability to impose punishment without judicial process. Bench Trial A bench trial is a trial in which a judge, rather than a jury, decides the facts and applies the law. Bench trials are available in many civil cases and in some criminal proceedings when the applicable rules allow them and the required parties agree. Beyond a Reasonable Doubt Beyond a reasonable doubt is the high standard of proof the government must meet to convict a person of a crime. It requires proof strong enough to leave the fact-finder firmly convinced of guilt, while not requiring absolute certainty. The standard reflects the serious consequences of criminal conviction. Bicameral Bicameral means having two legislative chambers. The U.S. Congress is bicameral because it consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. A bill generally must pass both chambers in identical form before it can be presented to the President. Bicameral Legislature A legislative body divided into two separate assemblies, chambers, or houses. In the U.S., this is the House of Representatives and the Senate, a structure designed to balance the interests of large and small states. Bicameralism Bicameralism is a system of government in which the legislature has two chambers. In the United States, the House of Representatives reflects population-based representation while the Senate gives each state equal representation. The two chambers must generally agree on the same bill text before it can be presented to the President. Bill A bill is a proposal for legislation introduced in Congress or a state legislature. A bill may be referred to a committee, amended, debated, and voted on. At the federal level, a bill generally becomes law only after it passes both chambers in identical form and is presented to the President. Bill Introduction Bill introduction is the formal submission of a legislative proposal for consideration by a legislative chamber. In Congress, a member introduces a bill by presenting it under the chamber's rules; the bill receives a number and is referred for further action. Introduction does not guarantee a hearing or vote. Ballot Measure A piece of proposed legislation or a constitutional amendment that is placed directly on the ballot for voters to approve or reject, bypassing the state legislature. Bankruptcy A legal proceeding under federal law in which a person or business unable to repay outstanding debts seeks relief from some or all of their obligations. The process is designed to give the debtor a 'fresh start' while ensuring fair and orderly distribution to creditors. Bankruptcy Court A bankruptcy court is a federal court that handles cases under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Bankruptcy courts address matters such as liquidation, reorganization, repayment plans, and disputes arising in bankruptcy cases. Their jurisdiction and authority are established by federal law. Bankruptcy Judge A bankruptcy judge is a judicial officer who hears and decides matters assigned to a federal bankruptcy court. Bankruptcy judges are appointed by the courts of appeals for renewable terms set by federal law, rather than holding Article III life tenure. Their authority depends on the case and the statutory structure.