Legal Definitions - circuit

Definition: A circuit is a division within the judicial system where hearings occur at multiple locations. This often requires judges to travel to different locations. In the United States, there are 13 circuits that make up the U.S. courts of appeals.

Example: A judge in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals may have to travel to different locations within the circuit to hear cases. This could include traveling to California, Oregon, Washington, and other states within the circuit.

Explanation: The example illustrates how a circuit is a division within the judicial system that requires judges to travel to different locations to hear cases. In this case, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals covers a large geographic area, so judges must travel to different states within the circuit to hear cases.