police court

American  

noun

1. an inferior court with summary jurisdiction for the trial of persons accused of any of certain minor offenses, and with power to examine those charged with more serious offenses and hold them for trial in a superior court or for a grand jury.

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police court British  

noun

1. another name for magistrates' court

2. (in Scotland, formerly) a burgh court with limited jurisdiction, presided over by lay magistrates or a stipendiary magistrate: replaced in 1975 by the district court See also district court

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Etymology

Origin of police court

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

Everyone - press, police, court staff, and likely the parties involved - are prepared for an intense week ahead.

From BBC • May 20, 2024

He was widely respected for his tenacity and confidential contacts in police, court and legal circles.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 19, 2022

The woman screamed for help, and the physician’s neighbor called Newport police, court documents say.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 21, 2018

This would require the development of a government-wide information technology system that would check the names of those with security clearances against various databases, such as police, court and credit records.

From Washington Post • Mar. 25, 2014

While these words are being written, an effort is being made with a Criminal Administration Bill to do away with some of the abuses of the police court.

From The Law and the Poor by Parry, Edward Abbott