in the dock

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.

Example Sentences

Disruption continued during Monday's sentencing hearing, during which the judge told off both defendants for passing notes in the dock.

From BBC

In a rare turn of events, the trial went ahead without Russell in the dock following chaotic scenes before evidence began.

From BBC

Brazil's past has been littered with coups or attempted coups, but no one has ever sat in the dock, and past plotters have been granted amnesty.

From BBC

"Never have those behind a coup or attempted coup sat in the dock in Brazil," he told the BBC.

From BBC

Aaron McAnulty, with an address at Cusher Green in County Armagh, appeared in the dock at Newry Magistrates Court.

From BBC