Trials wherein case for defence probes tests (7)
I believe the answer is:
ordeals
'trials' is the definition.
(I know this)
'case for defence probes tests' is the wordplay.
'case for' says to hollow out the word (remove centre letters) (the letters which encase the others are used).
'probes' means one lot of letters goes inside another (probe can mean to poke or prod into).
'tests' becomes 'orals' (oral is a kind of test).
'defence' with its centre taken out is 'de'.
'de' placed into 'orals' is 'ORDEALS'.
'wherein' is the link.
I am not very happy about this link. It may be part of another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ordeals that I've seen before include "difficult tests" , "Tribulations" , "Difficult experiences, hard times" , "Testing experiences" , "Trying experiences" .)