Definition of high court

The term "high court" originated during medieval times in England, where it referred to a royal court presided over by the monarch or his appointed justice. These courts were known as "high" due to their status as the highest appellate courts in the land, with the power to review and reverse decisions made by lower courts. Over time, the concept of a "high court" has evolved to refer to specialized judicial bodies with exclusive jurisdiction over certain legal matters, such as appellate courts, constitutional courts, and international courts of justice. Today, the term is used in many countries with legal systems rooted in common law tradition, including the United States, India, and Australia, among others. In short, the phrase "high court" reflects both the historical legacy of medieval royal justice and contemporary legal institutions' ongoing role in upholding the rule of law and protecting fundamental rights.