trial court

[/ˈtraɪəl kɔːrt/]
nounpl: trial courts
tribunal de primeira instância
1. A court of law where cases are tried and decided in the first instance, where evidence is presented and witnesses testify before a judge or jury
The case was heard in the trial court before being appealed to a higher court.
O caso foi julgado no tribunal de primeira instância antes de ser apelado para um tribunal superior.
2. The lowest level court in a judicial system where original jurisdiction cases begin
The trial court found the defendant guilty based on the evidence presented.
O tribunal de primeira instância condenou o réu com base nas provas apresentadas.
In both the United States and Brazil, trial courts are essential components of the judicial system where most legal disputes are initially resolved. In the Brazilian system, these courts (tribunais de primeira instância) are organized by subject matter (criminal, civil, labor, etc.) and handle cases before potential appeals to higher courts. In the US system, trial courts are where juries often participate in verdict decisions, a practice less common in Brazilian courts.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
court of first instancelower courttrial tribunalcourt of original jurisdiction
Antonyms / Antônimos
appellate courtsupreme courtcourt of appeals

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
tribunal de primeira instância
Most common and formal term used in legal documents and court system
Brazil
vara judicial
Alternative term referring to the specific court division handling cases
Portugal
tribunal de primeira instância
Similar usage as in Brazil, formal legal terminology
USA Legal System
trial court / court of first instance
Standard terminology in American judicial system

Related Words

judgejuryverdicttestimonyevidenceplaintiffdefendantlitigation

Related Idioms & Phrases

have one's day in court
case goes to trial
bring before the court
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