common pleas

plural noun

, Law.

1. civil actions or proceedings between private citizens.
2. Also Common Pleas. court of common pleas.

common pleas

noun

1. See Court of Common Pleas
   short for Court of Common Pleas

Word History and Origins

Origin of common pleas¹

Middle English word dating back to 1175–1225

Example Sentences

Daniel Wells, chief justice of the court of common pleas of Massachusetts, died at Cambridge, aged 63.

From Project Gutenberg

On revising the statutes good behavior was made the term of tenure for the judges and clerks of common pleas.

From Project Gutenberg

A statute of Elizabeth required a list of fines to be exposed in the court of common pleas and at assizes.

From Project Gutenberg

The court of common pleas in those days corresponded to the county court of our time.

From Project Gutenberg

Five school examiners are appointed in each county, by the Court of Common Pleas, who are to examine teachers.

From Project Gutenberg