justice of the peace court

: a local court of limited jurisdiction usually over minor civil and criminal actions, small claims, and some felony preliminaries which is presided over by a justice of the peace and which usually follows summary procedure

Note: Justice of the peace courts were formerly common but now are used or remain active to some extent in only a few states.

Dictionary Entries Near justice of the peace court

Cite this Entry

“Justice of the peace court.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/justice%20of%20the%20peace%20court. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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