Court of First Instance
/ˈkɔːrt əv fɜrst ˈɪnstəns/
Definitions
- (n.) A trial court in which a case is originally heard and decided, as opposed to an appellate court.
The evidence was first presented in the court of first instance before being reviewed on appeal.
Forms
- courts of first instance
Related terms
See also
Commentary
In drafting, specifying 'court of first instance' clarifies that the court has original jurisdiction rather than appellate authority.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.