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appellate jurisdiction Any party to a suit decided ina federal district court may appeal to the federalcourt of appeals in the circuit where the case wastried. (p. 29)arraignment Procedure in which the accused isbrought to court, is read the indictment containinginformation regarding the crime, and is asked toplead guilty or not guilty. If the person pleads notguilty, the case proceeds to trial. If the person pleadsguilty, the judge may impose sentencing. (p. 45)arrest Action when a person is deprived of his or herfreedom by a police officer. (p. 43)arson The willful and malicious burning of abuilding. (p. 68)articles of incorporation Application for the incorporationof a business; describes a corporation’sorganization, powers, and authority. (p. 610)articles of partnership Statement of agreement of allpartners that is required to form a general partnership;also called a partnership agreement or articlesof copartnership (p. 588)assault The attempt to commit a battery such aspointing or shooting a gun at someone. (p. 64)asset acquisition Occurs when one corporationagrees to purchase the assets or property of a secondcorporation. (p. 655)assignment The transfer of rights under a contract.(pp. 242, 542)assumption of risks Defense in which the defendantshows that the plaintiff knew of the risk involved inan activity and still took the chance of being injured.(p. 92)auction without reserve The auctioneer must sell thegoods to the highest bidder. (p. 273)auction with reserve The auctioneer does not have tosell the goods for the highest bid if it is lower thanthe reserve amount (what the seller wishes to getfor the item). (p. 273)Bbad check Check that is drawn on an account inwhich there are insufficient funds. (p. 526)bail Money or other property that is left with thecourt to assure that a person who has been arrested,but released, will return to trial. (p. 43)bailee One who holds the personal property ofanother for a specific purpose. (p. 368)bailment The transfer of possession and control ofpersonal property to another with the intent that thesame property will be returned later. (p. 368)bailor The person who transfers property. (p. 368)bait and switch Advertising bargains that do not existto lure customers to a store so that they will buymore expensive merchandise. (p. 321)bank draft Check drawn by a bank against funds thebank has on deposit. (p. 513)bankruptcy Legal process by which a debtor canmake a fresh start through the sale of assets to payoff creditors. (p. 496)bankruptcy laws Set procedures for discharging adebtor’s obligations. The obligations still exist, butthe debtor can no longer be imprisoned for failureto pay. (p. 235)bargained-for exchange A promise is made in returnfor another promise, an act, or a promise not to act.(p. 165)battery The unlawful touching of another person thatusually involves the forceful use of a person’s hand,knife, or gun against another. Battery also may becommitted by giving poison or drugs to an unsuspectingvictim, spitting in someone’s face, commandinga dog to attack, or even kissing someonewho does not want to be kissed. (p. 63)bearer paper Instrument that is payable to bearer orcash and may be negotiated by delivery alone withoutan indorsement. (p. 544)beneficiary Person who is named in an insurancepolicy to receive benefits paid by the insured inthe event of a loss. (p. 752)benefit Something that a party was not previouslyentitled to receive. (p. 164)bequest Gift of personal property that is made bya will. (p. 779)best evidence rule The requirement that the originalcopy of a written agreement be submitted intoevidence. (p. 216)bigamy Act of having two spouses at one time.(p. 680)bilateral contract A two-sided contract that containstwo promises. (p. 111)Glossary 815