petty sessions

American  

noun

English Law.

1. a court of summary jurisdiction for minor offenses that is held without a jury.

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petty sessions British  

noun

1. (functioning as singular or plural) another term for magistrates' court

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Example Sentences

Then they should appoint petty sessions for the signing of certificates at such times and places that the royal officers may attend and be heard.

From Bygone Cumberland and Westmorland by Scott, Daniel

It has been used as a vestry, parochial schoolroom and lending library, also for public meetings and petty sessions, and, in its darkest days, as a store-room.

From Ecclesiastical Curiosities by Various

The lowest is that of the justice of the peace, sitting in petty sessions of two or more, to determine in a summary way certain specified minor offences.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 6 "Coucy-le-Château" to "Crocodile" by Various

At S. Mary Redcliffe, Bristol, the Lady Chapel has also been used for scholastic purposes, and at Waltham Abbey it has accommodated not only parochial schools but public meetings and petty sessions.

From Ecclesiastical Curiosities by Various

Ireland, home, Dodsborough, petty sessions, police and poor-rates, county cess, Chancery, all my difficulties, down even to Mrs. D. herself, faded away, and left me in undisturbed and unbounded enjoyment.

From The Dodd Family Abroad, Vol. I by Lever, Charles James