magistrate's court

American  

noun

1. a court having limited jurisdiction over minor civil and criminal matters, as matters of contract not exceeding a particular amount of money.

2. police court.

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magistrates' court British  

noun

1. (in England) a court of summary jurisdiction held before two or more justices of the peace or a stipendiary magistrate to deal with minor crimes, certain civil actions, and preliminary hearings

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Etymology

Origin of magistrate's court

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

However, both the Crown Prosecution Service and the Department for Education, which have powers to prosecute, told the BBC they had no recorded offences reaching a first hearing in a magistrate's court under the Skills and Post-16 Education Act.

From BBC

She pleaded guilty in a magistrate's court in the capital, Lusaka, and apologised to the president for her comments.

From BBC

The accused appeared in a magistrate's court in the capital city Pretoria on Tuesday and were granted bail.

From BBC

Riley appeared at Westminster Magistrate's Court in London on Saturday and has been remanded in custody while the authorities pursue an extradition bid.

From BBC

The former flight attendant arrived at Negombo Magistrate's Court on Friday wearing a white knee-length dress, her long hair parted to the side.

From BBC