court of common pleas

or Court of Common Pleas

noun

, Law.

1. (formerly in England) a court to hear civil cases between common citizens.
2. (in some U.S. states) a court with general civil jurisdiction.

Court of Common Pleas

noun

1. English law (formerly) a superior court exercising jurisdiction in civil actions between private citizens
2. law (in some states) a court exercising original and general jurisdiction

Word History and Origins

Origin of court of common pleas¹

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

Court documents show that Judge Angelo Foglietta of the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas said that "all parties must be present at the time of the hearing".

From BBC

The former officer, Edsaul Mendoza, 28, also pleaded guilty to possession of an instrument of crime in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County before Judge Diana Anhalt, court records show.

From New York Times

The former officer, Edsaul Mendoza, 28, also pleaded guilty to possession of an instrument of crime in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County before Judge Diana Anhalt, court records show.

From New York Times

On Monday, the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia County granted the state’s motion to dismiss all charges.

From New York Times

The winner will face Republican Dan Hawkins, a judge on the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, for the one open seat.

From Seattle Times