Bench
/bɛn(t)ʃ/
Definitions
- (n.) The seat occupied by judges in a court of law.
The defendant stood before the bench during the trial.
- (n.) The collective body of judges in a particular court.
The appellate court's bench ruled in favor of the plaintiff.
Forms
- benches
Related terms
See also
Commentary
In legal usage, 'bench' often refers both to the physical seat of judges and metaphorically to the judiciary as a whole; clarity depends on context.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.