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Bail: release of a defendant from custody until their next appearance in court. This can be subject to security being given and/or compliance with certain conditions, such as a curfew.

Bar Council: these pages give details of the structure and role of the Council, the Bar Standards Board and their Committees, the dates of Bar Council and Bar Standards Board meetings and how to contact the Council.

Barrister: a barrister is a legal practitioner in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The name comes from the process of being called to the Bar during their training. Barristers represent individuals in court, and provide them with specialist legal advice. Barristers must usually be instructed (hired) through a solicitor, but a change to the rules in 2004 means that members of the public may now approach a barrister direct in certain circumstances.

Bill: a draft of a proposed law presented to Parliament. Once agreed by Parliament and given Royal Assent by the ruling monarch, Bills become law and are known as Acts.

Bound over: being placed under a legal obligation, for example being "bound over" to keep the peace. Failure to observe a binding order may result in a penalty.

British and Irish Legal Information Institute (BAILII): the British and Irish Legal Information Institute provides access to the most comprehensive set of British and Irish primary legal materials that are available for free and in one place on the internet.