BILL, in Law, a declaration in writing, expressing either some wrong the complainant has suffered from the defendant, or a fault committed by the person complained of against some law or statute.—This bill is sometimes exhibited to justices at the general assizes, by way of indictment, or referred to others having jurisdiction; but it is more generally addressed to the lord chancellor. It contains the fact complained of, the damage sustained, and a petition or process against the defendant for redress; and is used both in criminal and civil cases. In the former, the words billa vera are indorsed by the grand jury upon a presentment, implying that they find the same founded on probable evidence, and therefore worthy of further consideration.
In Scots law, every summary application in writing, by way of petition to the court of session, is called a bill.
Bill of Attainder. See ATTAINDER.
Bill of Appeal. See APPEAL.
BILL signifies also a paper, either written or printed, in very large characters, which is posted up in some open and public place, to give notice of the sale of any merchandise or ship, or of the sailing of any vessel into foreign parts.