Define: Circuit

Circuit
Circuit
Quick Summary of Circuit

In legal terms, a “circuit” typically refers to a geographical area or jurisdiction within which a court operates. Courts are organised into circuits to facilitate the administration of justice and the efficient handling of legal matters within a particular region. Each circuit may encompass multiple counties, districts, or states, depending on the court system’s structure and jurisdictional boundaries. Courts within a circuit may have varying levels of authority and jurisdiction, including trial courts, appellate courts, and specialized courts. Appellate courts, such as circuit courts of appeal, typically hear appeals from lower trial courts within their respective circuits. The term “circuit” may also refer to a specific period during which a court holds sessions in different locations within its jurisdiction, allowing judges to hear cases in various areas and provide access to justice for individuals residing in remote or underserved communities. Overall, circuits play a crucial role in the organisation and operation of the judicial system, ensuring that legal matters are adjudicated fairly and efficiently throughout a defined geographical area.

Full Definition Of Circuit

It is King Henry II (reigned 1154–89) who first instituted the early English custom of having judges ride around the countryside (‘ride circuit’) each year to hear legal cases on appeal. This obviated the need for appellants to travel to London, which made matters more convenient for the opposing parties (long-distance travel at this time was often difficult), and encouraged litigants generally to continue pursuit of their cases at a higher level court in instances of suspected error or perceived injustice on the part of local judges. Upon return to London, these early ‘circuit judges’ would discuss their cases amongst themselves, often with the aim of formulating consistent patterns of response to the different types of legal problems commonly confronted by litigants across England and Wales. The result was the promotion of a common and unified approach to the law within the Crown’s dominion, thereby sowing the seeds for the development of English common law over the course of the next few centuries.

The term ‘circuit court’ is derived from this early practice of having the King’s judges ride around the countryside each year on established paths in order to hear cases. The term ‘circuit’, still in use today, came to denote the number of court venues served by judges of a certain (generally the lowest) appellate rank. Today, ‘Circuit Judges’ are senior judges in England and Wales who sit in the Crown Court, County Courts and certain specialized sub-divisions of the High Court of Justice, such as the Technology and Construction Court. The modern office of Circuit Judge was created by the Courts Act 1971. Circuit Judges sit below High Court Judges but above District Judges. They may be appointed to sit as Deputy High Court Judges. Some are also eligible to sit in the Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal, although they are the more senior Circuit Judges.

Formerly, there were six circuits in England and Wales, with jurisdictions covering the Midlands, the North of England, North-East England, South-East England, the West of England, and Wales & Cheshire (or ‘Wales & Chester’). With the creation of HM Courts Service in April 2005, these original six circuits are now seven: the Midlands, North-East England, North-West England, South-East England, South-West England, London, Wales.

Before July 2008, Circuit Judges could only be drawn from barristers with at least 10 years’ standing. Currently, the requirement is 7 years’ standing in the case of barristers and 5 years’ standing in the case of recorders. Although Circuit Judges typically retire at the age of 72, if desired, they may work until the age of 75.

See also Court system of England, barrister, recorder.

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This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.

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