A benchbook is a book providing an overview of legal procedure for a judge.
A benchbook is not a source of substantive law but rather a guide to procedure.
Benchbooks are used in conjunction with manuals on civil procedure, criminal procedure, and evidence to assist the judge in trial.
Such a benchbook often contains documents related to the case and relevant legal authority.
This meaning is most commonly used in reference to appellate court judges, who may prepare a benchbook for each day's argument session.