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

He was regularly seen sobbing in the dock with his head in his hands throughout the day.

From BBC

The businessman, who owns Michelin-starred Benares in Mayfair as part of a collection of top restaurants in the UK and Spain, looked to the floor as the jury returned its verdicts, and could be seen shaking his head in the dock.

From BBC

As it was played to the jury, Warren wept in the dock and did not watch.

From BBC

"The only thing that was not working on 10th March 2025 was the man in the dock," she added.

From BBC

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