court of common pleas

or Court of Common 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.

Court of Common Pleas

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of court of common pleas¹

First recorded in 1680–90