(A) The seat of a judge; the place where he administers justice; but by this term is more usually understood the whole body of judges who compose a jurisdiction sometimes it is taken for the jurisdiction which they exercise. 2. This term is Latin, and derives its origin from the elevated seat where the tribunes administered justice. (B) Any ruling board or judicial body that has judicial functions, such as those found in governmental agencies.
Law Dictionary – Alternative Legal Definition
The seat of a judge; the place where he administers justice; a judicial court ; the bench of judges. In Roman law. An elevated seat occupied by the praetor, when he judged, or heard causes In form. Originally a kind of stage made of wood in the form of a square, and movable, but afterwards built of stone in the form of a semi-circle.