in the dock

Idioms  

1. On trial, especially in a criminal case. For example, The accused stood in the dock through the entire proceeding. This expression employs dock in the sense of “an enclosed place for the defendant in a court of law,” a usage dating from the late 1500s, and is used even in American courts where no such enclosure exists.

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Example Sentences

At least four freemasons from the 20 or so members of the lodge are in the dock.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Jefferson, who wore a grey tracksuit and blue Adidas jacket, shook his head in the dock as the jury of eight women and four men returned their unanimous verdicts.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

Each was wearing a keffiyeh, a traditional Middle Eastern headscarf, in the dock, as were a number of supporters in the public gallery.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

He stood in the dock wearing glasses and a two-toned grey sweatshirt and as he made his admissions, gasps and some sighs were heard in the court room.

From BBC • Feb. 2, 2026

With Professor Matthews in the dock, the defense ended on a high note.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela