territorial court

American  

noun

1. a court established in U.S. territories that is empowered to hear local and federal cases.

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Etymology

Origin of territorial court

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Morrow is the chief and only judge of the territorial court of Canada's Northwest Territories.

From Time Magazine Archive

For 14 years, he has served as an official marriage counselor�first appointed by the territorial court, now by the new state's Supreme Court.

From Time Magazine Archive

The first territorial court in Washington county was held Aug. 13, 1849, Judge Aaron Goodrich, presiding; Judge David Cooper, associate.

From Fifty Years In The Northwest With An Introduction And Appendix Containing Reminiscences, Incidents And Notes by Folsom, William Henry Carman

Deputy Surveyor Craig reported efforts of the Mormons to stir up the Indians against the surveyors, and quoted a suggestion of the Deseret News that the surveyors be prosecuted in the territorial court for trespass.

From The Story of the Mormons, from the date of their origin to the year 1901 by Linn, William Alexander

A territorial court holds its sessions in the Territory for which it is constituted, and has jurisdiction of cases arising under the laws of Congress and the laws passed by the territorial legislature.

From Elements of Civil Government by Peterman, Alexander L.