Legal Definitions - Court of Queen's Bench

Definition: The Court of Queen's Bench is a historical court in England that was presided over by the reigning monarch. It was the highest common-law court in England. Today, the jurisdiction of this court lies with the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice. When a king begins to reign, the name automatically changes to King's Bench. It is abbreviated as Q.B. and is also known as the Court of Queen's Bench. It is different from the King's Bench.

Example: In the past, the Court of Queen's Bench was the highest court in England, and the monarch presided over it. Today, the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice has taken over its jurisdiction.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the Court of Queen's Bench was historically the highest court in England, and how its jurisdiction has now been taken over by the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice. It also shows how the name of the court changes when a king begins to reign.