circuit court

noun

1. a court holding sessions at various intervals in different sections of a judicial district.

2. (initial capital letters),  the court of general jurisdiction in a number of U.S. states.

Word History and Origins

Origin of circuit court¹

An Americanism dating back to 1700–10

Example Sentences

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down that provision last year as going too far, but it upheld most other restrictions as well as a Hawaii law that restricted the carrying of guns at public places and most private businesses that are open to the public.

From Los Angeles Times

Ortega was approved last year to serve another four-year term by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, but doesn’t think he’s a lifer because “it’s sometimes good to have new leadership.”

From Los Angeles Times

With the case still moving through the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, hundreds more are now set to arrive in Portland, Ore., with another hundred reportedly enroute to Chicago — all over the objections of state and local leaders.

From Los Angeles Times

The board’s independence is under attack through litigation, including a SpaceX lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of restrictions on firing board members, which was upheld by the conservative 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.

From Los Angeles Times

American Oversight, a non-partisan watchdog group, has filed a petition for a writ of mandamus with the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, asking the court to vacate Cannon’s gag order and allow the documents to be released.

From Salon