Definition of county court

The term "county court" originated during the medieval period in England. At that time, the ruling monarch sometimes found it difficult to oversee justice at the local level due to the vastness of the realm. As a solution, they established local courts, called "hundred courts," in the hundred (administrative divisions) of each county. These courts were generally presided over by the local shire reeve (land steward) or hundredman. Over time, the role and jurisdiction of the hundred courts expanded to encompass both civil and criminal cases. In the 19th century, the old system of hundred courts was revised, and the term "county court" was adopted to replace it. County courts became the primary judicial bodies for matters below the level of the High Court, handling both civil and criminal cases. They were established in each county, staffed by resident judges, and operated independently of the royal courts. In other parts of the English-speaking world, such as Ireland, Canada, and the United States, the concept of county courts has been adopted, with local variations and modifications. However, the essence of the county court as a localized, easily accessible court, staffed by permanent judges, has remained largely consistent.