bench

noun

1. : the place where a judge sits in court asked counsel to approach the bench — compare bar 1a, dock, jury box, sidebar, stand

2. : the court or system of courts serving an area the federal bench

3. a : the office of a judge appointed to the bench

   b : the body of persons who hold positions as judges members of the bench and bar — compare bar 2a

   c : a judge or panel of judges hearing a case unless the lawyer is responding to a question from the bench —R. H. Bork