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A judge's office is referred to as her chambers. Settlement conferences and adoptions are usually held in her chambers. During a trial, when the judge wants to examine documents, speak with witnesses or speak with the attorneys outside the jury's presence, the judge presides in camera, the Latin term for 'in chambers,' and holds a conference either in the chambers or at the bench (where the attorneys and judge whisper so the jury can't hear).
When a judge decides some interlocutory matter which has arisen in the course of the cause, out of court, he is said to make such decision at his chambers. The most usual applications at chambers take place in relation to taking bail and staying proceedings on process.