court of common pleas

noun phrase

1
: a former English superior court having civil jurisdiction
2
: an intermediate court in some American states that usually has civil and criminal jurisdiction

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of court of common pleas was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near court of common pleas

Cite this Entry

“Court of common pleas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/court%20of%20common%20pleas. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Legal Definition

court of common pleas

often capitalized C&C&P : an intermediate-level court in some states (as Arkansas, Connecticut, and Ohio) having limited jurisdiction over various civil and criminal matters

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