Law Dictionary Definitions

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]

belongings. 1. Personal property; EFFECTS. See personal property; under PROPERTY. 2. All property, including realty.[Blacks Law 8th]

belong,vb.1. To be the property of a person or thing <this book belongs to the judge>. See OWNERSHIP. 2. To be connected with as a member <they belong to the state bar>.[Blacks Law 8th]

bellwether stock.See barometer stock under STOCK.[Blacks Law 8th]

bellum justum (bel-<<schwa>>m j<<schwa>>s-t<<schwa>>m). [Latin] Int’l law. A just war; one that the proponent considers morally and legally justifiable, such as a war against an aggressive, totalitarian regime. • Under Roman law, before war could be declared, the fetiales (a group of priests who monitored international treaties) had to certify to the Senate that just…

bellum inter duos (bel-<<schwa>>m in-t<<schwa>>r d[y]oo-ahs). [Law Latin] Hist. War between two persons; a duel.[Blacks Law 8th]