Law Dictionary Definitions

BHC.abbr.BANK HOLDING COMPANY.[Blacks Law 8th]

BFP. See bona fide purchaser under PURCHASER(1).[Blacks Law 8th]

BFOQ.abbr.BONA FIDE OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATION.[Blacks Law 8th]

beyond seas.Hist. 1.(Of a person) being absent from a jurisdiction or nation; out of the country, esp. across the ocean. • This term was used when a person could not be served with a summons, notice, etc. because the person was absent from the jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions toll the statute of limitations during a defendant’s…

beyond a reasonable doubt.See REASONABLE DOUBT. [Blacks Law 8th]

betterment tax.A tax for the improvement of highways. BETTING betting. See PARIMUTUEL[Blacks Law 8th]

betterment act.A statute requiring a landowner to compensate an occupant who improves the land under a mistaken belief that the occupant is the real owner. • The compensation usu. equals the increase in the land’s value generated by the improvements. — Also termed occupying-claimant act; occupant statute. [Cases: Improvements  4. C.J.S. Improvements § 5.][Blacks Law…

betterment. 1. An improvement that increases the value of real property; esp., an enhancement in the nature of an alteration or addition that goes beyond repair or restoration to a former condition. [Cases: Improvements  1.C.J.S. Improvements §§ 2, 4.] 2. An improvement of a highway, railroad, or building that goes beyond repair or restoration. 3.…

betrothment. See BETROTHAL(1). [Blacks Law 8th]

betrothal. 1.Eccles. law. A religious ceremony confirming an agreement to marry. • Historically, a betrothal was performed months or years before the parties wedded. It was in theory as legally binding as a marriage and created an impediment to marriage with any other person, but not an insurmountable impediment. In modern form, the betrothal is…