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Law vocabulary · Courts & Judges

Preside

Meaning in law, with examples

/prɪˈzaɪd/verbCommon term

In law, preside means: To be the judge in charge of a hearing or trial, or the person leading a formal meeting.

In Turkish: başkanlık etmek, (duruşmayı) yönetmek

How it is used

A judge 'presides over' a case or trial. The 'presiding judge' leads a panel of judges, and in arbitration the 'presiding arbitrator' chairs the tribunal. The word is formal and common in news reports and judgments.

Example sentences

  1. Judge Patel presided over the three-week trial.

  2. The presiding arbitrator asked both sides to shorten their submissions.

Common collocations

  • preside over a trial
  • presiding judge
  • presiding arbitrator
  • preside over a hearing
  • judgeA public official who runs a court hearing, listens to both sides and decides the case, or tells the jury how the law applies.
  • benchThe judges of a court considered as a group, or the raised seat where a judge sits in court.
  • 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.
  • courtroomThe room in a court building where hearings and trials take place, with places for the judge, the parties, their lawyers, witnesses and the public.

More terms: Courts & Judges

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