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

See Examples For:

in the dock

Farasati appeared in person in the dock, while Shahsavani attended via video link from HMP Pentonville.

From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026

All four hugged O'Lali in the dock after their sentences were passed and before O'Lali was placed in handcuffs.

From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026

The men, wearing grey tracksuits, stood in the dock of court five and spoke through translators only to confirm their name, date of birth and addresses.

From BBC ● Oct. 3, 2026

On Friday, they sat silently in the dock as the judges returned their verdict.

From Barron's ● Aug. 21, 2026

He let it shine for a few moments in the dock light before he slid it back into its scabbard.

From "The Reader" by Traci Chee