Before the bench is a legal term that refers to the appearance of a person in a court of law. There are many synonyms for this term, including "in court," "at the bar," "on trial," "in the dock," and "up before the judge." These synonyms all represent the same concept, which involves the accused standing before a judge or magistrate to defend themselves against allegations of wrongdoing. The phrase "before the bench" is often used to describe a person's legal troubles, and can be a stressful and daunting experience. Whether in court or in the dock, the ultimate outcome of a trial can have a significant impact on a person's life.