circuit court

American  

noun

1. a court holding sessions at various intervals in different sections of a judicial district.

2. (initial capital letters) the court of general jurisdiction in a number of U.S. states.

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Etymology

Origin of circuit court

An Americanism dating back to 1700–10

Example Sentences

Moderna will appeal to a federal circuit court to argue that it has limited liability as a government contractor.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

Moderna will appeal to a federal circuit court, arguing limited liability as a government contractor, with a potential $1.3 billion payment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

The agreement needs approval from a circuit court in Missouri as Bayer is still seeking a U.S.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 18, 2026

Once he loses at the BIA, he can appeal that to the relevant federal circuit court, which for him, the administration would argue, is the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.

From Slate • Jan. 21, 2026

After those arrests, a local circuit court judge, James A. Hare, issued an injunction forbidding public gatherings of more than three people.

From "Because They Marched" by Russell Freedman