hostage
n. A person who is held as a security. Under the Taking of Hostages Act 1982, it is an offence, punishable in the English courts by a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, to take anyone as a hostage against his will anywhere in the world and to threaten to kill, injure, or continue to hold him hostage in order to force a state, international governmental organization, or person to do or not to do something. This is an extraditable offence, but prosecutions may only be brought with the consent of the Attorney General. See also hijacking; kidnapping.

• Battered Woman Syndrome
• battery
• bay
• bearer
• beauty contest
• bed and breakfasting
• Beddoe order
• behaviour
• belligerent communities, recognition of
• bench
• Benchers
• bench warrant
• beneficial interest
• beneficial owner
• beneficiary
• beneficiary principle
• benefits in kind
• benevolent purposes
• Benjamin order
• bequeath
• bequest
• bereaved minor’s trust
• bereavement benefit
• bereavement, damages for
• Berne Convention