(formerly in England) a court to hear civil cases between common citizens.
(in some U.S. states) a court with general civil jurisdiction.
English law (formerly) a superior court exercising jurisdiction in civil actions between private citizens
law (in some states) a court exercising original and general jurisdiction
First recorded in 1680–90
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The court of common pleas hears more serious cases than municipal courts, including the bulk of felony and major civil litigation in the county.
From New York Times • Aug. 21, 2017
On Tuesday, in the Montgomery County court of common pleas, a detective who was there that night 12 years ago told what he knew of the story at the center of the comedian’s trial.
From The Guardian • Jun. 6, 2017
The case will unfold with Judge Steven O’Neill presiding in the Montgomery County court of common pleas, not far from the Elkins Park mansion where Cosby still lives.
From The Guardian • Jun. 5, 2017
The $7.3m in compensatory and punitive damages for Michael McQueary was confirmed Kendra Miknis, chief administrator of the centre county court of common pleas in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, Reuters reported.
From The Guardian • Oct. 27, 2016
In 1819 decided to become a lawyer, and in 1823, although he had not completed the usual course required, was admitted as an attorney by the court of common pleas of Erie County.
From A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents Volume 5, part 1: Presidents Taylor and Fillmore by Richardson, James D. (James Daniel)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
