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

Christopher saw his wife for the first time since she was arrested in the dock during the trial in October.

From BBC

Mr Hayler appeared in the dock to enter pleas wearing a black suit, grey tie, and a large, blue overcoat.

From BBC

He did not attend the trial, which began last month, though he was in the dock to hear the verdict on Monday.

From BBC

As jurors convicted him, he stood silently in the dock.

From BBC

At the opening of the trial, prosecutor Shawn Williams said the defendants, who each appeared in the dock assisted by their own interpreter, were unaccompanied child asylum seekers.

From BBC