county court

American  

noun

1. (in the U.S.)

   1. an administrative board in counties in some states.

   2. a judicial tribunal in some states with jurisdiction extending over one or more counties.

2. (in England)

   1. the lowest civil tribunal, having limited jurisdiction, mostly for the recovery of small debts.

   2. (formerly) the assembly of local residents who met periodically in each county under the presidency of the sheriff to transact the judicial and administrative business of the county.

---

county court British  

noun

1. (in England) a local court exercising limited jurisdiction in civil matters

---

Etymology

Origin of county court

First recorded in 1525–35

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

county court

The county court system, which hears criminal cases as well as a multitude of civil matters, is vast with locations as far north as Lancaster and as far south as Catalina Island.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 1, 2026

A county court hearing in May 2024 highlighted Bush had debts amounting to almost £55,000, including to local councils for unpaid cremation and burial fees.

From BBC ● Apr. 2, 2026

But Mrs Justice Lieven dismissed the challenge saying the "appropriate forum" for the claim is the county court, rather than the High Court.

From BBC ● Jan. 29, 2026

Elliot added that the county court facilities have also been cleared “out of an abundance of caution” until FBI and local police uncover the source of the threat.

From Salon ● Sep. 13, 2024

Eric’s father was the clerk of the county court and often passed on news of particularly juicy trials to Eric, whose popularity increased in proportion.

From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman