Small space in building in which a court of law is absent (6)
I believe the answer is:
recess
'small space' is the definition.
'recess' can be an answer for 'space' (I have seen 'Hollow space ' mean 'recess' so perhaps 'space' could also mean 'recess'). I am unsure of the 'small' bit.
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for recess that I've seen before include "Space sent in a wall" , "Pause in business, time out" , "School break - niche" , "Closed period for parliament" , "Niche or intermission" .)