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Dictionary of Law Terms: England

Bail. The sureties for the re-appearance of a person released from custody. Bail-Bond. A document under seal, by which a person becomes bail. Bailee. An individual intrusted with the custody of goods; for instance, a carrier. Bailiff. A sheriff's officer or deputy in England. A constable. Bailment. A delivery of a thing in trust for some special object or purpose. Bailor. The person who makes a bailment, or delivers goods to a bailee. Banc, or Banco (sittings in). The sitting of the judges of the superior Courts of Law as a full Court.

Barratry. The offence of frequently stirring up quarrels and suits at law or otherwise. In marine insurance, any act of the master or crew of a ship which is of a criminal or fraudulent nature, as sinking the ship or deserting her, tending to the prejudice of the owners.

Base Fee. A freehold estate of inheritance, liable to be determined on the happening of a certain event.

Battel. A trial by combat, formerly allowed by the law, by which the innocence or guilt of a party was decided.

Bencher. A Senior of the Inns of Court in England.