Definition

1. Noun:
   • A court of law with legal authority to hear and decide cases involving crimes: A "criminal court" is a judicial body that has jurisdiction over matters where an individual or entity is accused of violating criminal law. Its primary function is to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused and impose penalties if guilt is established.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The defendant was tried in a criminal court for the alleged robbery.
  • The case was transferred from a lower to a higher criminal court.
  • Evidence must be presented according to the strict rules of the criminal court.

Advanced Usage

• "to appear before a criminal court": to be brought to a criminal court for a legal proceeding.
  • He will appear before a criminal court next month to face the charges.
• "criminal court proceedings": the formal legal process that takes place in a criminal court.
  • The criminal court proceedings were lengthy and complex.

Variants and Related Words

• Criminal justice system (n): The entire network of institutions (including police, courts, and corrections) designed to enforce criminal law.
• Courtroom (n): The specific room where a court, including a criminal court, holds its sessions.
• Jurisdiction (n): The official power of a court, like a criminal court, to make legal judgments and decisions.

Synonyms

• Court of criminal jurisdiction: A formal term for a court authorized to try criminal cases.
• Judicial forum for criminal cases: A descriptive phrase for a setting where criminal legal matters are adjudicated.

Related Phrases

• "to stand trial in criminal court": to undergo a formal examination of evidence in a criminal court to determine guilt.
  • The accused chose to stand trial in criminal court rather than accept a plea deal.
• "criminal court judge": the judicial officer who presides over a criminal court.
  • The criminal court judge instructed the jury on points of law.

Related Idioms

• "To have one's day in court": to get the opportunity to present one's case before a judge or jury. While not exclusive to criminal courts, it is commonly used in this context.
  • Every citizen accused of a crime has the right to have their day in court.

Noun

1. a court having jurisdiction over criminal cases