superior court

American  

noun

1. the court of general jurisdiction found in many states of the United States.

2. any court that has general jurisdiction above other courts.

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superior court British  

noun

1. (in England) a higher court not subject to control by any other court except by way of appeal See also Supreme Court of Judicature

2. (in several states) a court of general jurisdiction ranking above the inferior courts and below courts of last resort

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Etymology

Origin of superior court

An Americanism dating back to 1680–90

Example Sentences

The judge, 63, has served on the federal court since 2011, and spent the decade prior to that as a local superior court judge, having been appointed by President George W. Bush.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

Just last month, a superior court judge in Santa Barbara County said prior intervention by the federal government wasn’t enough to undo an earlier order that kept the pipeline shut down.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

During a hearing at Los Angeles County superior court, the brothers apologised for their actions.

From BBC • Aug. 23, 2025

"Perhaps influenced by this Court’s order directing it to move expeditiously, the superior court simply ruled against Judge Griffin without explaining why, in its view, his claims should be denied," Allen said.

From Salon • Feb. 21, 2025

Several ran for public office, and there were two superior court justices, one municipal court judge, two members of the California state legislature, and one prominent state official.

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell

Related Words

• trial court