magistrates' court
A 'magistrates' court' is a lower court in various jurisdictions, particularly in England and Wales, handling less serious offenses and preliminary hearings for more serious ones.
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Definition
B2England and Wales
(legal)A lower court that deals with minor criminal offenses, initial hearings for serious offenses, and some civil matters. Cases are heard by magistrates or a district judge without a jury.
Example
- The magistrates' court sentenced him to community service for the minor assault charge.
- Her case will first be heard in the magistrates' court before possibly moving to the Crown Court.
B2Various Jurisdictions
(legal)A local court that handles less serious criminal cases, minor civil disputes, and preliminary hearings for more serious cases.
Example
- In many countries, a magistrates' court deals with traffic violations and minor thefts.
- The magistrates' court is often the first step in the legal process for many defendants.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "magistrates' court":
county courtcourt of lawcourt martialcourt feehigh courtcourt card