Circuit Courts Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Circuit Courts, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Circuit Courts?

It refers to many very low level courts located at different places but in the same juridiction or having same common laws. The judge may prefer to hold the cases on “rider on circuit basis” where the judge holds the cases in several courts wherever he/she is presiding , but it will be in same jurisdiction.

History and Definition of Circuit Courts

Circuit Courts are a type of court system in the United States that have a long history dating back to the early days of the country. Originally, the Circuit Courts were created as a way to bring judicial proceedings closer to the people, as they were held in rural areas that were difficult to reach from the larger cities. They were also designed to help with the issue of transportation, as judges would travel from place to place to hear cases.

Today, Circuit Courts are a crucial part of the American judicial system, and there are a number of different types of courts that fall under this category. Some Circuit Courts are part of the federal court system, while others are State courts. In general, Circuit Courts have the authority to hear a wide range of cases, from criminal matters to civil disputes.

Examples of Circuit Courts

  1. The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit is a Federal Circuit Court with jurisdiction over several states, including Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina.

  2. The Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court in Florida is a state court that covers several counties in the southern part of the state.

  3. In Wisconsin, there are several Circuit Courts at the county level, which handle a range of legal matters, including traffic cases, family law, and criminal cases.

Legal Terms Similar to Circuit Courts

  1. District Courts - In the federal court system, District Courts are trial courts that have jurisdiction over a specific geographic area.

  2. Appellate Courts - These courts have the power to review and overturn decisions made by lower courts, including Circuit Courts.

  3. Superior Courts - Often used in state court systems, these courts are similar to Circuit Courts in that they have general jurisdiction over a range of legal matters.