court of general sessions

noun

1. a local court with general jurisdiction, both civil and criminal.

Word History and Origins

Origin of court of general sessions¹

An Americanism dating back to 1695–1705

Example Sentences

The sanctity of clergy-penitent privilege in the United States, which applies to Catholics as well as other religious groups, dates back to at least 1813, when the Court of General Sessions of New York City declined to force a priest to testify.

From Washington Post

Court of General Sessions — now called the D.C.

From Washington Post

His father’s role in shepherding civil rights legislation through the House probably contributed to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s decision to nominate Judge Halleck for a judgeship in what was then the Court of General Sessions.

From Washington Post

The first disagreeable shock had come in the form of a message from Harrigan Blood saying that he would oppose any attempt to raise Massingale to the Court of General Sessions.

From Project Gutenberg

My first duty, after the usual morning’s muster at quarters, was to hold a court of general sessions, for the discharge of my vagabonds, many of whom, the reader will recollect, were still in irons; and a beautiful-looking set of fellows they were, when their irons were removed, and they were brought on deck for this purpose.

From Project Gutenberg