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

District Court in California’s northern district on Wednesday, appears to be the first time Gemini is cited in a wrongful-death suit.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Tokyo District Court issued a dissolution order in March last year for the Japanese chapter of the Unification Church, saying it had caused "unprecedented damage" to society.

From Barron's

Last year, a district court in Tokyo ordered the church disbanded after Japan's education and culture ministry accused it of manipulating followers into making huge donations.

From BBC

The dissolution order from the Tokyo district court was meant to strip the church of its tax-exempt status and require it to liquidate its assets, but still allow it to operate in Japan.

From BBC

A state district court, siding with a legal challenge filed by Horning’s lawyers, dismissed the town’s petition to condemn the parcel.

From The Wall Street Journal