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

The chivalrous Reynolds followed them to police court and paid the fine that was by rights Anderson’s.

From Los Angeles Times

She ate lunch in his classroom and confided in him about family problems she was having, according to police court filings.

From Washington Post

She was convicted at the police court on 29 June 1905 of "behaving while drunk in a riotous or disorderly manner".

From BBC

Meanwhile, the extraordinary tale of Pistorius, having taken a most grim and unexpected detour, awaits his appearance in a Pretoria police court.

From The Guardian

Officials in Pretoria said Pistorius, 26, was due to appear at a correctional services police court at 2pm local time but the case was later delayed until Friday.

From The Guardian