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.

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county court British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of county court

First recorded in 1525–35

Example Sentences

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

Dueñas said most homeless people live in the Civic Center area, where the county court, library and Legacy Park are.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 17, 2025

Daniel, the homeless man outside the county court, said he’s from Michigan but has been homeless in Malibu, Topanga and Santa Monica for 21 years.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 17, 2025

Paperwork seized showed Ms Pegg was the subject of a number of county court judgements for unpaid debts.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2025

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