district court

American  

noun

U.S. Law.

1. (in many states) the court of general jurisdiction.

2. the federal trial court sitting in each district of the United States.

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district court British  

noun

1. (in Scotland) a court of summary jurisdiction held by a stipendiary magistrate or one or more justices of the peace to deal with minor criminal offences

2. 1. a federal trial court serving a federal judicial district

   2. (in some states) a court having general jurisdiction in a state judicial district

3. Former name: magistrates' court.  (in Australia and New Zealand) a court lower than a high court

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Etymology

Origin of district court

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90

Example Sentences

Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on Tuesday affirmed the district court ruling, finding that the blockers were effective and that Hudson Bay never owned more than 10% of Bed Bath & Beyond’s stock.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 8, 2026

I covered the Chatrie case for Slate back in 2022 when it was first ruled on by the federal district court in Richmond.

From Slate • Jul. 1, 2026

Cook will stay at the Fed while the district court decides the merits of the “for cause” removal and as her legal case continues.

From Barron's • Jun. 30, 2026

The court ruling does not take effect for 32 days and “barring any further district court orders,” according to the International Refugee Assistance Program.

From Salon • Jun. 30, 2026

Armstrong’s lawyers thus filed a motion asking the district court for discovery of the prosecutors’ files to support their claim of selective prosecution under the Fourteenth Amendment.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander