nisi prius

[ nahy-sahy prahy-uhs, nee-see pree-uhs ]

noun

, Law.

1. Also called nisi prius court. a trial court for the hearing of civil cases before a judge and jury.
2. British Law.
   1. a writ commanding a sheriff of a county to summon a jury and bring it to the court in Westminster on a certain day, unless the judges of assizes previously came to that county.
   2. the clause with the words “nisi prius” introducing this writ.
   3. the system of judicial circuits to which judges are assigned for local trials of civil and criminal cases.

nisi prius

/ ˈpraɪəs /

noun

1. English legal history
   1. a direction that a case be brought up to Westminster for trial before a single judge and a jury
   2. the writ giving this direction
   3. trial before the justices taking the assizes
2. (in the US) a court where civil actions are tried by a single judge sitting with a jury, as distinguished from an appellate court

Other Words From

• nisi-prius adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nisi prius¹

1300–50; Middle English < Latin: literally, unless previously, unless before

Word History and Origins

Origin of nisi prius¹

C15: from Latin: unless previously

Example Sentences

The judges of assize, by virtue of their commission of nisi prius, try the causes thus appointed.

From Project Gutenberg

In August, 1837, the case was brought down to trial at Nisi Prius, and a verdict entered for plaintiff at one-shilling damages.

From Project Gutenberg

No man could make such an income, except one who was at once an excellent Nisi Prius pleader, as well as a good Crown lawyer.

From Project Gutenberg

That was made at nisi prius in answer to a motion for a nonsuit in an action brought for an infringement of a patent right.

From Project Gutenberg

He was great both at nisi prius and before an appellate tribunal.

From Project Gutenberg