Okuzeka
Law vocabulary · Courts & Judges

Courtroom

Meaning in law, with examples

/ˈkɔːtruːm/nounCore term

In law, courtroom means: The room in a court building where hearings and trials take place, with places for the judge, the parties, their lawyers, witnesses and the public.

In Turkish: duruşma salonu, mahkeme salonu

How it is used

Used in news reports, films and everyday conversation: 'in the courtroom', 'a packed courtroom', 'courtroom drama'. Lawyers more often refer to a numbered court: 'Court 4', 'the hearing is in court 12'.

Example sentences

  1. Mobile phones must be switched off in the courtroom.

  2. The courtroom was full of journalists when the judgment was read out.

Common collocations

  • in the courtroom
  • packed courtroom
  • courtroom drama
  • leave the courtroom
  • courtA place or institution where judges hear legal disputes and decide them according to the law; the word can also mean the judges themselves.
  • hearingA meeting of a court or tribunal where the parties or their lawyers present arguments or evidence on a particular issue.
  • trialThe formal process in court where evidence is presented and a judge or jury decides the case, usually after weeks or months of preparation.
  • benchThe judges of a court considered as a group, or the raised seat where a judge sits in court.
  • judgeA public official who runs a court hearing, listens to both sides and decides the case, or tells the jury how the law applies.

More terms: Courts & Judges

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.