definition
strict definition
special-purpose courthouse
A court facility whose jurisdiction is restricted to a particular kind of legal case.
A special-purpose courthouse is a court of law designated for a specific type of court case. It usually has a regional jurisdiction, most commonly at the local or sub-national level.
The subject of the cases determines the specialization. Traffic violations, divorce, and criminal proceedings are examples of distinct case-based jurisdictions.
A local or subnational jurisdiction is common without being required. The specialization is separate from the territorial extent of the court's authority.
special-purpose courthouse Photos
More specific definitions
7 sub-definitions-
civil court
A court restricted to civil monetary claims, excluding courts limited specifically to small claims. -
criminal court
A court of law restricted to criminal cases, with international criminal courts classified separately. -
divorce court
A court of law designated for legal cases involving dissolution of marriages. -
domestic violence court
A court of law designated for legal cases involving violence within families. -
small claims court
A court of law restricted to civil cases involving monetary claims below a small-claims limit. -
trade court
A court of law restricted to trade disputes, including cases about treaties, competition, customs, or tariffs. -
traffic court
A court of law restricted to cases concerning violations of traffic laws and regulations.