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benchmark. A standard unit used as a basis for comparison.[Blacks Law 8th]

  bench legislation.See JUDGE-MADE LAW(2).[Blacks Law 8th]

bencher. A governing officer of an English Inn of Court; one of the Masters of the Bench. See INN OF COURT(1).[Blacks Law 8th]

bench conference.See SIDEBAR CONFERENCE(1). [Blacks Law 8th]

bench blotter.See ARREST RECORD(2)[Blacks Law 8th]

bench. 1. The raised area occupied by the judge in a courtroom <approach the bench>.2. The court considered in its official capacity <remarks from the bench>.3. Judges collectively <bench and bar>.4. The judges of a particular court <the Fifth Circuit bench>.[Blacks Law 8th]

Ben Avon Doctrine. The principle that due process entitles public utilities to judicial review of rates set by public-service commissions. Ohio Valley Water Co. v. Borough of Ben Avon, 253 U.S. 287, 40 S.Ct. 527 (1920). [Cases: Constitutional Law  298. C.J.S. Constitutional Law § 1345.][Blacks Law 8th]

below-the-line,adj. (Of a deduction) taken after calculating adjusted gross income and before calculating taxable income. • Examples of below-the-line deductions are medical payments and local taxes. Cf. ABOVE-THE-LINE.[Blacks Law 8th]

below-market loan.See interest-free loan under LOAN.[Blacks Law 8th]

below,prep., adv. & adj.1. Beneath; under; underneath. 2. (Of a lower court) having heard or having the power to hear the case at issue in the first instance <court below>; at a lower level <the motion was heard below>. Cf. ABOVE.[Blacks Law 8th]