federal court

American  

noun

1. a court of a federal government, especially one established under the Constitution of the United States.

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Etymology

Origin of federal court

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90

Example Sentences

Attorney Lindsey Oken told the jury as the trial got under way in Brooklyn federal court.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

New York tabloids dubbed Bloom the “Wall Street Whiz Kid” in the 1980s after he was charged in federal court with bilking nearly 140 people, including his own grandmother, out of a combined $15 million.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

In a settlement filed Tuesday in California federal court, Apple did not admit any wrongdoing, but agreed to a deal that will resolve claims in a large consolidated class action lawsuit filed last year.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

Gov. Landry signed the bill eliminating Duncan’s position on Friday, but Duncan sued the state in federal court.

From Slate • May 5, 2026

At Nixon’s order, the Justice Department went to the federal court in New York City to demand an injunction against the Times—a legal order to stop publication of the Pentagon Papers.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin