What are the desks in a courtroom called?

Asked by: Edwardo Kihn  |  Last update: November 24, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (67 votes)

COURTROOM FURNITURE: JUDGES BENCH, ATTORNEY DESKS, DAIS COUNCIL CHAMBER DESKS, COURTROOM BENCHES, JURY BOX.

What do you call the benches in a courtroom?

On one side is the judge's bench, the tables for the plaintiff, the defendant, and their respective counsel, and a separate group of seats known as the jury box where the jury sits.

What is a judge's desk called?

The Bench. The judge's bench is the raised wooden desk or podium at the front of the courtroom where the judge sits. Attorneys and defendants alike shouldn't go near the bench unless they ask for and receive the judge's permission to do so.

Why is a judges desk called a bench?

The historical roots of the term come from judges formerly having sat on long seats or benches (freestanding or against a wall) when presiding over a court. The bench is usually an elevated desk area that allows a judge to view, and to be seen by, the entire courtroom.

What is the bench in legal terms?

Bench refers to the seat where the judge sits in the courtroom, and the term is used to refer to the judge.

What are the roles of the different people in a courtroom?

19 related questions found

What is a judge that sits on the Supreme Court bench called?

Nine Justices make up the current Supreme Court: one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices.

Why do lawyers go to the bench?

An attorney may approach the bench in order to have a conversation with the judge and opposing counsel off the record and/or out of the jury's earshot. An attorney or juror must obtain permission from the judge to approach; e.g. "your honor, may I approach the bench?" For example, in People v.

What is the terminology for a two judge bench?

A Division Bench is a term in judicial system in India in which a case is heard and judged by at least 2 judges.

What is the difference between bench and desk?

The desk is usually built with a single drawer or none, and the bench can sometimes have a small storage space under its seat. Great attention is usually paid to the aesthetics of the set in order to enhance the matching features.

What is a benching desk?

Benching is an office solution that pairs together a desk and a file storage bench (and sometimes an additional file cabinet), offering an L-shaped style desk with extra storage and seating.

What are Canadian judges called?

Judges of inferior courts are referred to as "Judge [Surname]" while judges of superior and federal courts are referred to as "Mister/Madam Justice [Surname]," except in Ontario, where all trial judges in referred to as "Mister/Madam Justice".

What do you call a judge when talking to them?

How to Address a Judge. In person: In an interview, social event, or in court, address a judge as “Your Honor” or “Judge [last name].” If you are more familiar with the judge, you may call her just “Judge.” In any context, avoid “Sir” or “Ma'am.”

What do judges like to be called?

Address Seated Judge as "Your Honor" or "The Court"

It really is like nails on a chalkboard to hear opposing counsel say "Judge, I object!" And although it may be a small matter to some, it's important to develop good courtroom habits for your legal career.

What is the divider in a courtroom called?

That divider is called the “bar,” and is actually why the organizations that regulate attorneys are called “bar associations.” When one passes the licensing exam to become an attorney, it is known as “passing the bar” because they were no longer the lay people forced to sit behind the bar, but could now join the legal ...

What are the names in a court room?

Key figures in a courtroom trial are the judge, a court reporter (in superior court), a clerk, and a bailiff. Other central people are the attorneys, the plaintiff, the defendant, witnesses, court interpreters, and jurors.

What is jury vs bench?

This jury of your peers will decide if you're guilty of the crime after listening to evidence presented by the prosecution and the defense teams. One of the differences between a bench vs. jury trial is that with the latter, the judge is only there to keep order in the court, not to determine your guilt.

What are the types of benches?

Choose material to balance maintenance, comfort, and look.
  • Wood benches. Aesthetic: Wood benches are a good choice for places with a natural aesthetic. ...
  • Metal benches. Aesthetic: Metal may provide structure or design elements to benches made of wood, plastic, or concrete. ...
  • Plastic benches. ...
  • Concrete benches.

What are bench positions?

In the IT industry, the bench list refers to the section of employees who are currently not working on any projects but remain on the job and getting the salary and other perks on time.

Why is a desk called a desk?

The word "desk" originated from the Modern Latin word desca "table to write on", from the mid 14th century. It is a modification of the Old Italian desco "table", from Latin discus "dish" or "disc". The word desk has been used figuratively since 1797.

What are the two sides in a courtroom called?

Plaintiff & Defendant

If it is not a criminal court case, the person who alleges that something wrong has been done is usually called the Plaintiff. The person accused of having done wrong is usually called the Defendant.

What are the 2 sides called in court?

parties - Plaintiffs and defendants (petitioners and respondents) to lawsuits, also known as appellants and appellees in appeals, and their lawyers. petit jury (or trial jury) - A group of citizens who hear the evidence presented by both sides at trial and determine the facts in dispute.

What is a judges hammer called?

You know that wooden hammer a judge slams down on his desk when he's trying to bring order to the court? That's a gavel. Judges aren't the only ones who use gavels. They are common in governments large and small, where they are used to bring order to the often unruly rooms where government happens.

What is it called when lawyers approach the bench?

Lawyers make a formal request by stating, "May I approach the bench?" or, simply, "May I approach?" to initiate a sidebar conference. If it is granted, then opposing counsel must be allowed to come forward and participate in the conversation.

Why is it called a sidebar?

sidebar (n.)

"secondary article accompanying a larger one in a newspaper," 1948, from side (adj.) + bar (n. 1).

Is a bench trial better than a jury trial?

Generally speaking, a bench trial is advantageous really in only a small percentage of trials. A jury trial is usually heavily favored by most defendants because it allows twelve persons, rather than one, to determine witness credibility and, in some cases, unreasonable conduct by police.