A legal institution with the power to adjudicate matters of civil and criminal law in accordance with the rule of law. In the common law and civil law systems of Western Europe, courts are the primary means for dispute resolution; they play a crucial role in preserving the peace and security of society. They also ensure that all people have the right to have their cases heard in a court of law.
The place where court proceedings take place; the room is known as a courtroom and the entire building as a courthouse. Courtrooms range from simple facilities in rural communities to large, complex facilities in urban areas. A group of people gathered in a courtroom for a particular purpose, such as the meeting of a grand jury or a pretrial conference.
Court culture greatly influenced medieval literature, which portrayed ideals of romantic pursuit and loyalty in stories of chivalry and courtly love. This culture was supported by the court’s patronage of art, and by its social hierarchy and rituals of politeness.
A federal agency responsible for collecting court statistics, administering the judiciary budget, and performing many other administrative functions under the direction and supervision of the Judicial Conference of the United States. The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the nation, and its nine justices are appointed by the President and approved by Congress for a life-long term of service. The Court is the final arbiter of the nation’s laws and the ultimate keeper of the Constitution.
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