"In the dock" is a familiar term used in legal contexts to refer to a defendant awaiting trial. There are a number of synonymous expressions used to convey the same meaning, such as "on trial," "in court," "facing charges," or "in the hot seat." These terms are commonly used by journalists and legal professionals to describe an individual who is the subject of a trial, and who is expected to answer to charges of a legal nature. When someone is in the dock, it is a serious matter, and one that requires the full attention and focus of everyone involved. Understanding the various ways in which this idea can be expressed is an important part of engaging with legal discourse.