trial court

noun

: the court before which issues of fact and law are first determined as distinguished from an appellate court

Examples of trial court in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At a resentencing in 1989, the jury voted 7-5 to recommend death, the trial court again imposed the death penalty, and the state Supreme Court upheld the sentence on direct appeal. — Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 14 Sep. 2026

In a statement Friday, a spokesperson said the allegations are unfounded and noted that the company prevailed at the trial court level. — Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2026

Both the state and federal trial courts have such rules — for example, names of minors, and birthdates or SSNs of anyone. — Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 11 Sep. 2026

In the latter, a case that began 11 years ago would likely continue for years at the trial court level unless the parties settled. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for trial court

• abort
• airport
• alport
• athwart
• carport
• comport
• consort
• deport
• disport
• distort
• escort
• exhort

Legal Definition

trial court

noun

: the court before which issues of fact and law are tried and first determined as distinguished from an appellate court