witness-box

The witness stands in the witness-box to give evidence.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A place for giving testimony: "witness-box" refers to the enclosed area in a courtroom where a witness stands or sits while giving evidence under oath.
   • A legal fixture: It is a physical structure, often a raised platform with a rail, designated for the person who is testifying during a trial.

Usage Examples

• (The lawyer requested the person giving evidence to enter the designated area.)
• (She experienced anxiety while taking the place to testify.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be in the witness-box": to be actively testifying in court.

  • The defendant's mother was in the witness-box for over an hour. (She was giving her testimony for a lengthy period.)

• "to step down from the witness-box": to finish giving testimony and leave the designated area.

  • After answering all questions, the expert stepped down from the witness-box. (The expert concluded his testimony and left the area.)

Variants and Related Words

• Witness stand (n): a synonym for "witness-box", more common in American English.

  • The prosecutor approached the witness stand. (The prosecutor moved towards the area where the witness was seated.)

• Witness (n): a person who gives testimony in court.

  • The witness spoke clearly from the witness-box. (The person giving evidence spoke audibly from the designated area.)

Synonyms

• Witness stand: the area where a witness gives evidence.
• Stand: a shortened form used informally in legal contexts.
  • Please take the stand. (Please go to the witness-box.)

Related Idioms

• "to be called to the witness-box": to be summoned to give evidence.

  • He was called to the witness-box to explain what he saw. (He was summoned to testify about his observations.)

• "to leave the witness-box": to finish testifying.

  • After the cross-examination, she left the witness-box. (She finished her testimony and departed the area.)