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Circuit Court
A circuit court is a trial court where many civil and criminal cases are first heard by a judge (and sometimes a jury) to decide the facts and apply the law.
What it actually is
The name comes from history, when judges traveled along a circuit to hold court in different counties. Today, in many states, the circuit court is the main trial-level court that handles serious criminal charges, major civil lawsuits, and sometimes appeals from lower courts. In federal law, a circuit court is an appellate court that reviews decisions from trial courts within a multi-state region.
Why it matters in your case
If your case is in a circuit court, that is where evidence is presented, witnesses testify, and a verdict or judgment is issued. Knowing this tells you which procedural rules and courtroom practices will govern your case, and whether any appeal from your case would go to a higher court.
The common misunderstanding
People often assume a circuit court is always an appeals court, but in many states it is the main trial court. The term means different things depending on whether you are in state or federal court.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.