Definition

Proper noun: * The Central Criminal Court in London: "Old Bailey" is the colloquial name for the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, one of the most famous criminal courts in the world. It is located on the street named Old Bailey in the City of London.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The notorious trial was held at the Old Bailey.
  • After a lengthy trial at the Old Bailey, the defendant was found guilty.
  • The Old Bailey has a famous statue of Lady Justice on its dome.

Advanced Usage

• "to appear at the Old Bailey": To be tried in this specific, high-profile court, often for serious crimes.
  • The fraud case was so complex it had to appear at the Old Bailey.
• Used metonymically to represent the British criminal justice system, particularly for major trials.
  • The verdict from the Old Bailey sent a strong message to the public.

Variants and Related Words

• The Central Criminal Court: The official name for the Old Bailey.
• The Bailey: A common shortened form used in news headlines and informal contexts.

Synonyms

• The Central Criminal Court (formal equivalent)
• The criminal court (general, but lacks the specific reference)

Notes on Meaning

This term refers specifically to an institution, not a general concept. It does not have different meanings outside of its reference to this court. Its usage is almost exclusively as a proper noun.

Noun

1. the central criminal court in London