Legal Definitions - circuit justice

Definition: A judge, especially of an appellate court or a court of last resort. A U.S. Supreme Court justice who has jurisdiction over one or more of the federal circuits, with power to issue injunctions, grant bail, or stay execution in those circuits.

Example: When a case is appealed to a higher court, a circuit justice may be assigned to review the case and make a decision.

Explanation: A circuit justice is a type of judge who has the authority to make decisions in a specific geographic area, known as a circuit. This can include issuing injunctions, granting bail, or staying execution in cases within that circuit. For example, if a case is appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, a circuit justice may be assigned to review the case and make a decision based on the law and facts presented.