What does it mean to serve on the bench?

Asked by: Mrs. Era Hintz  |  Last update: June 26, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (22 votes)

serve/sit/be on the bench to work as a judge: Miller, who sits on the bench in San Francisco, issued his order as part of a case that became a broader legal fight. See more.

What does the term "on the bench" mean?

Definition of 'on the bench'

a. serving as a judge in a court of law; presiding. b. Sport (of a player) not participating in play, either for part or all of a game.

What does it mean to put someone on the bench?

Waiting for a chance to participate; also, removed from participation. For example, Mary complained that all her colleagues were going to the sales conference while she was left on the bench .

What does it mean when lawyers approach the bench?

When an attorney wants to speak to the judge privately, they must ask permission to approach the bench. This means they are allowed to move closer to the judge's desk to have a conversation that the jury cannot hear. The other attorney in the case is also allowed to come forward and participate in the conversation.

What does "on the bench" mean at work?

A benched employee is someone within a company who is not currently assigned to a project or task, often waiting for their next assignment or project allocation.

What Does Being "On the Bench" in Consulting Mean? | Consulting Series Episode #3

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Do you get paid while on the bench?

In all cases of “coach's decision” benching, the players still get paid according to their contracts. In some sports, like baseball, contracts are guaranteed. Such that even if a player is so poorly performing that they do more than bench him, they cut him from the team, he still gets paid.

What does on the bench mean in legal terms?

en banc. En banc is French for "on the bench." The term refers to a special procedure where all judges of a particular court hear a case . When the court believes that the matters are especially complex or important, the en banc procedure will be used.

Why would a defendant want a bench trial?

In a Nutshell: A trial with a jury is recommended in certain types of cases, but not in others. When defendant wants to keep a jury away from rendering a ruling on the guilt or innocence of him (or her), a bench trial is the alternative.

What is a judge's ruling from the bench?

A bench trial is a trial where the judge is the sole fact-finder; that is, the judge alone makes a decision on the merits of your case after both sides have presented evidence.

Can a juror approach the bench?

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. Maher , 89 N.Y. 2d 318 (1996) , the court referenced “two prospective jurors ask[ing] to approach the bench after the trial” to ask the judge a question.

Why is it called the bench?

The historical origin of the term comes from the benches that judges used to sit on in the courtroom while presiding over trials .

Who should be on your bench?

Important Bench Players

Regardless of roster size, your bench should mostly be made up of wide receivers and running backs. Since you start more than one RB and WR, you need to have alternatives at those positions.

What does it mean when someone is bench?

If you watch or play sports, you know that benching means keeping a player off the field or court as a back-up option, in case your first or second choice of player is unable to play. This analogy has been extended to the dating world, to describe a dating trend where people keep potential partners as backup options.

What does it mean when a judge is on the bench?

Bench refers to the judge in his chair at his desk. For example, when the judge tells the attorneys to “approach the bench,” he is asking them to come up to him.

What does bench mean in slang?

Per Urban Dictionary, "Benching is when you start dating someone you think is nice and who has potential, but you're not crazy about them. You don't know whether to keep dating them, or dump them and move on to the next one.

What to do when you are on bench?

Here are some ideas to make the most of your bench time.
  1. Be visible. Even though you're on the bench, be sure to come into the office every day. ...
  2. Reach out. ...
  3. Business development. ...
  4. Learning & Development. ...
  5. Non-billable work. ...
  6. Knowledge management. ...
  7. Relax a bit.

What is the bench rule?

Bench Rule BR. A professional grade rule which can be permanently fixed to a bench top, ideal for estimators, craftsmen and anyone selling materials by length. Professional quality. Hardwearing, moisture resistant finish. Precisely inscribed and permanent graduations.

Can a judge be removed from the bench?

Removal from the Bench

All judges and justices must comply with the California Code of Judicial Ethics, which contains standards for ethical conduct. Judges or justices that violate any of those standards may be disciplined and even removed from office, making them no longer eligible for election by the voters.

What is the law of the bench?

The Law of the Bench Great teams have great depth. Any team that wants to excel must have good substitutes as well as starters. The key to making the most of the law of the bench is to continually improve the team.

Do you get sentenced at a bench trial?

Do You Get Sentenced at a Bench Trial? Yes, if the judge finds the defendant guilty, they can pass a sentence or make orders. Bench trials allow judges to be “the professional trier of fact” and the decision-maker for the case.

What happens to 90% of cases?

According to the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance, " The overwhelming majority (90 to 95 percent) of cases result in plea bargaining. "

Is a bench trial good or bad?

Generally, it is better to have a bench trial when legal issues are involved in the case that can determine its outcome. Judges may be more open to hearing legal arguments about case law and similar findings in the same jurisdiction.

Who sits on the bench in court?

The Judge. The judge presides over the trial from a desk, called a bench, on an elevated platform.

What does plea to the bench mean?

A plea to the bench is when a Defendant enters a plea of Guilty or No Contest directly to the Judge, forgoing the process of negotiating a plea resolution with the Prosecutor on the case.

Why do lawyers approach the bench?

The purpose can range from explaining the order of witnesses, a technical problem or the need to take a recess to go to the restroom.