Bad Faith: A willful failure to meet your duty or obligations; dishonesty.
Bail: A security deposit (usually money) given to release a defendant or witness from custody and to make sure that they go to court when they’re supposed to.
Bail notice: A legal paper from the court that says the court will make a warrant for arrest unless the defendant goes to court or pays bail.
Bailiff: A person that is in charge of security in the court. Bailiffs are picked by sheriffs or marshals.
Bank Levy: A way to enforce a decision against someone that owes money. The money is taken from their checking or savings account at a bank, savings and loan, thrift institution, or credit union.
Bench trial: Trial without a jury. The judge decides the case. Best interest of children: It is in the "best interest of children" to be raised in a permanent, safe, stable, and loving environment. (Probate Code section 1610.) In determining what is in the best interests of a child the court will consider: the health, safety and welfare of the child; any history of abuse by one parent or a person seeking custody against any child, the other parent or any other spouse, cohabitant or person with whom they have had a dating relationship; the habitual and/or continued use of controlled substances or alcohol. The court will also consider the minor's wishes so long as the minor is of sufficient age and capacity to reason. The court may also consider any other information that it finds to be relevant to what is in the best interests of the child(ren). (Family Code sections 3011, 3020)
Blood test: Testing someone’s blood sample to:
1. see how much of a certain chemical is in the blood, or
2. see who is the parent of a child. (See genetic testing.)
Bond: A deed or legal paper that restrains a person or makes a person responsible for something. In court, a bond is a written statement that makes one person pay another person money. Brief: A written statement that each side in a case gives to the court saying why the court should decide that they are right.
