circuit court, noun phrase
- Forms:
- Also with initial capitals.
- Origin:
- EnglishShow more Transferred use of English circuit court a court held periodically in the principal towns of Scotland.
A court which periodically travels to country towns and in which a Supreme Court judge hears criminal cases which are beyond the jurisdiction of the magistrates’ and regional courts.
- Note:
- Cf. British English ‘assizes’.
1832 Graham’s Town Jrnl 16 Feb. 31The Circuit Court will be held at Uitenhage on the 9th April; Graham’s Town on the 18th.
1987 Weekly Mail 7 Aug. 7The trial of the 19 men resumed on Monday after a month-long winter recess, switching from the circuit court in Delmas to Court C in Pretoria’s Palace of Justice.
A court which periodically travels to country towns and in which a Supreme Court judge hears criminal cases which are beyond the jurisdiction of the magistrates’ and regional courts.

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