In the legal system of the United Kingdom, the term “lower court” typically refers to courts of first instance or courts of limited jurisdiction. These courts handle a wide range of civil and criminal matters, including small claims, traffic offenses, family law cases, and minor criminal offenses. Lower courts in the UK include magistrates’ courts, county courts, and tribunals. They are presided over by judges, magistrates, or tribunal members, depending on the nature of the case. Decisions made in lower courts can often be appealed to higher courts for review if a party believes that legal errors were made or if they disagree with the outcome.
n.
- any court of lesser rank, such as municipal or justice court below a superior or county court, a superior or county court below an appeals court, or a federal District Court of Appeals below the U.S. Supreme Court.
- a reference in an appeal to the trial court which originally heard the case. Typical language in an appeals decision: “In the lower court, the judge ruled the Defendant had no basis for…
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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.
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