Legal Definitions - Ben Avon Doctrine

The Ben Avon Doctrine is a legal principle that states that public utilities have the right to challenge the rates set by public-service commissions through judicial review. This principle is based on the idea that due process should be followed in setting rates for public utilities.

For example, in the case of Ohio Valley Water Co. v. Borough of Ben Avon, the Supreme Court ruled that the Ben Avon Borough in Pennsylvania could not set rates for the Ohio Valley Water Company without providing due process and allowing for judicial review.

The term "bench" can also refer to:

• The raised area in a courtroom where the judge sits
• The judges of a particular court
• Judges collectively

For instance, a lawyer might approach the bench to speak with the judge during a trial. Or, a judge might make remarks from the bench during a hearing. The term "bench and bar" refers to the judges and lawyers who work in a particular court.