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

Since his 2019 conviction in a Brooklyn federal court, El Chapo has been serving a life sentence plus 30 years in a Supermax prison high in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Australian supermarket giant Coles misled consumers with fake discounts, the federal court has ruled in a landmark decision which could mean significant penalties.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

Authorities allege she fled to China with the couple’s young son shortly before Zhu’s arrest, according to federal court records.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 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