Lower Court
/ˈloʊər kɔːrt/
Definitions
- (n.) A court that hears a case first, as opposed to an appellate court which reviews lower court decisions.
The defendant appealed the decision made by the lower court.
Forms
- lower court
- lower courts
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term 'lower court' is commonly used to distinguish the initial adjudicating court from courts that possess appellate jurisdiction; it often overlaps with 'trial court' but can include other courts below the highest appellate level.
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.