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

The heirs then filed suit in federal district court in Washington against Germany and the foundation.

From Washington Post

The federal district court found in Philadelphia’s favor, which the Third Circuit then unanimously affirmed.

From Washington Blade

After the longest federal trial in history — two years — a district court judge had ruled against the government’s request to break up Alcoa, declaring that the company had legally obtained its 90 percent share of the aluminum market.

From Washington Post

“The district court penalized the General Assembly because of who they were, instead of what they did,” Richardson wrote.

From Washington Post

Last month, a federal district court instituted a six-day grace period for vote counting to allow for the postal delays.

From MIT Technology Review

For Reid, the imperative has to be confirming as many of the 34 district court nominees that are in the pipeline as possible.

From The Daily Beast

The Third District Court of Appeals later revoked it in March 2013, calling the move “a fraud on the court.”

From The Daily Beast

In May, a district court halted the investigation, a decision that is under appeal.

From The Daily Beast

He is wanted by Interpol and was indicted for drug trafficking in 2012 by the U.S. District Court of El Paso.

From The Daily Beast

But the U.S. District Court in Tucson can only handle up to 70 defendants at each Streamline hearing.

From The Daily Beast

However this may have been, indictments were found in the District Court, against Mr. Booth and several other persons.

From Project Gutenberg

I mean, would you like to give orders for the district court here?

From Project Gutenberg

It is the seat of a district court, and of superintendents of the Lutheran and Reformed Churches.

From Project Gutenberg

In Illinois there had been until the present season but one district court held in the year.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Tazewell took a bill of exceptions to the District Court at Suffolk.

From Project Gutenberg