court of common pleas

American  

Or Court of Common Pleas

noun

Law.

1. (formerly in England) a court to hear civil cases between common citizens.

2. (in some U.S. states) a court with general civil jurisdiction.

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Court of Common Pleas British  

noun

1. English law (formerly) a superior court exercising jurisdiction in civil actions between private citizens

2. law (in some states) a court exercising original and general jurisdiction

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Etymology

Origin of court of common pleas

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

Deputy District Attorney Doug Rhoads, speaking Friday in Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, said the officers displayed a “horrible amount of recklessness,” even if the outcome was unintentional.

From Seattle Times

The lawsuit, filed in Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, also names gas utility UGI.

From Seattle Times

Crews served as a political consultant during the May 2019 primary, where he worked with several Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and Philadelphia Municipal Court candidates.

From Washington Times

Four deputies, two sergeants and a detective, all with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office in West Union, filed a lawsuit in the Court of Common Pleas in Adams County on March 13, the complaint said.

From New York Times

The charges announced Wednesday against political consultant Rasheen Crews, 46, stem from the May 2019 primary elections for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and Philadelphia Municipal Court.

From Washington Times