legal education and practice

Bona fide is a Latin term that means “good faith” and is most frequently seen in the context of a bona fide purchaser. 

[Last reviewed in June of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]

A bond refers to an obligation to pay a specified amount of money.

A bondsman is a person who guarantees a bond. Bondsmen are most frequently seen in the context of bail bondsman for criminal defendants. 

Boy Scouts of America et al. v. Dale, 530 U.S. 640 (2000) is a U.S.

The Brandenburg test was established in Brandenburg v. Ohio, 395 U.S. 444 (1969), to define when speech intendending to advocate illegal action can be restricted under the First Amendment.

• constitutional law
• freedom of speech
• free speech

A breach is a violation of law or when a party fails to perform their part of a contractual agreement. For more information, see breach of contract. 

[Last reviewed in June of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]

A breach of contract occurs whenever a party who entered a contract fails to perform their promised obligations. Due to the frequency of breaches of contract, a robust body of law has grown to resolve the ensuing disputes. 

Breach of warranty is defined as the violation of an express or implied contract of warranty, and thus it is a breach of contract.

Bribery is defined generally as corrupt solicitation, acceptance, or transfer of value in exchange for official action.

A brief is a written argument submitted to the court. Lawyers often prepare briefs which highlight and clarify certain information or provide legal comparisons in an attempt to persuade the courtroom to rule in favor of that lawyer’s client.