They stand to make judgments in the courts (8)
I believe the answer is:
linesmen
'courts' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.
'they stand to make judgments in' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'in' is within the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'the' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for linesmen that I've seen before include "keep in touch with flags" , "Assistant referees" , "Telephone company employees" , "Football officials" , "Officials who assist referee from the side" .)