Nisi Prius refers to a type of court in the English legal system, historically known as the Court of Nisi Prius, which hears civil cases primarily involving disputes between individuals or organisations. The term “nisi prius” means “unless before,” indicating that cases heard in this court are initially heard there unless they are settled or tried elsewhere before reaching a higher court for final adjudication. Nisi Prius courts were established to handle civil matters efficiently and effectively, with judges typically selected from the higher judiciary to preside over these cases. In modern legal systems, the term “nisi prius” may also be used to refer more broadly to the trial of civil cases in any court.
(nee-see pree-us) adj. Latin for “unless first,” in some jurisdictions it means the original trial court that heard a case as distinguished from a court of appeals, as in court nisi prius. “Court of original jurisdiction” is often substituted for the term nisi prius.
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This glossary post was last updated: 13th April 2024.
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