circuit court of appeals

noun

1. any of the courts of appeals in the U.S. federal judicial system before 1948.

Word History and Origins

Origin of circuit court of appeals¹

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45

Example Sentences

He said there’s a split among circuit courts of appeals on the question, which makes the case a juicy target for the justices eventually.

From Washington Times

Most Americans know about the Supreme Court, and many are aware of the circuit court of appeals in Washington, often labeled the second highest court in the land.

From Washington Times

"Thirteen justices would mean one justice per circuit court of appeals, consistent with how the number of justices was originally determined, so each justice can oversee one circuit," Johnson added.

From Salon

The former president did not name a single Black judge to an opening on a circuit court of appeals.

From Washington Post

The fifth circuit court of appeals argued there were "grave statutory and constitutional" issues with the plans, set to be introduced in January.

From BBC