UTTER BAR
noun
Definition:
An "utter bar" is a permanent barrier or railing typically found in a courtroom or public space that separates lawyers, judges, witnesses, and spectators. Its primary purpose is to control and restrict access to the designated areas within a legal setting, ensuring the security, decorum, and order of proceedings.
Etymology:
The term "utter bar" derives its name from the word "barrier," tracing its origins to Old French "barre" meaning "a rod, a bolt, a barrier." Over time, the term evolved in legal contexts to signify the barrier or railing separating the different participants in a courtroom.
Function and Design:
The utter bar usually consists of a solid wooden or metal structure, serving as a physical demarcation between the areas reserved for court officials and those accessible to the general public. It often spans the width of the courtroom, usually at the front, creating a clear distinction between the public seating area and the section reserved for lawyers, judges, and other legal personnel.
Additionally, the utter bar may incorporate a small gate or opening, known as a "gate bar" or "gate of the bar," which allows controlled access to authorized individuals or parties that have been granted special permission to cross the barrier.
The utter bar not only plays a crucial role in maintaining order and decorum in legal proceedings but also symbolizes the separation of powers and the impartiality of the justice system.
