courtroom

Everyday

The room in a law court where trials and hearings take place, with places for the judge, the jury, the lawyers, the person accused and the public. tree →

In the lessons

In citizenship and law lessons, pupils learn who sits where in a courtroom: the judge (sometimes in a wig in the UK), the jury of twelve ordinary people, the defence and prosecution lawyers, witnesses giving evidence, and the defendant. Classes may hold mock trials in a pretend courtroom. TV and stories use «courtroom drama». In adult life children may hear about family courts deciding custody, which are usually private. Phrases: «in the courtroom», «courtroom drama», «a packed courtroom».

Examples

• The courtroom fell silent as the judge came in. tree →
• Our class turned the hall into a courtroom for a mock trial. tree →
• Everyone in the courtroom must stand when the judge enters. tree →
• The witness sat nervously at the front of the courtroom. tree →
• My uncle loves courtroom dramas on TV. tree →
• Phones are not allowed in the courtroom. tree →
• The jury left the courtroom to decide on their verdict. tree →

Note

One word: courtroom (court + room). Countable. «Court» alone often means the same thing («in court»). Do not confuse a law court with a tennis or basketball court, or with a royal court.