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

I want to melt through the slats in the dock.

From Literature

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

From Barron's

The men appeared in the dock at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

From BBC

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

Clark, who wore a green jumper, black trousers and a beige coat in the dock, put her hand to her face.

From BBC