district court

noun

, U.S. Law.

1. (in many states) the court of general jurisdiction.
2. the federal trial court sitting in each district of the United States.

district court

noun

1. (in Scotland) a court of summary jurisdiction held by a stipendiary magistrate or one or more justices of the peace to deal with minor criminal offences
2. in the US
   1. a federal trial court serving a federal judicial district
   2. (in some states) a court having general jurisdiction in a state judicial district
3. (in Australia and New Zealand) a court lower than a high court Former namemagistrates' court

Word History and Origins

Origin of district court¹

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90

Example Sentences

District Court for the District of Columbia, could move cautiously.

From New York Times

The last time the government sought to break up a tech giant, in the Microsoft antitrust case of the early 2000s, an appeals court overturned the district court’s ruling, and Microsoft remained intact.

From New York Times

District Court for the District of Columbia that found Google had illegally maintained a monopoly in online search.

From New York Times

“This week we will confirm five district court judges, bringing the total number of judges we’ve confirmed over the last four years to nearly 230. Confirming good judges is one of our most important responsibilities as senators,” crowed Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., in a Senate floor speech in late November 2020.

From Salon

A little over a week later, a Douglas County District Court judge ruled the affidavit in support of the warrant — which was never executed — remain sealed, according to court documents reviewed by The Times.

From Los Angeles Times