A more thorough explanation:

Definition: A court or tribunal, also known as bancus superior, in English law.

Examples:

• The King's Bench, also known as bancus regis, was a type of upper bench during the Protectorate (1653-1659).
• The court of bancus publicus, or public bench, was responsible for hearing cases related to debt and bankruptcy.

These examples illustrate how the term "upper bench" refers to a type of court or tribunal in English law. The King's Bench and bancus publicus were both considered upper benches, with specific responsibilities and jurisdictions.