Circuit
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia · John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia
A division of the country in England appointed for a particular judge to visit for the trial of causes.
See 3 Bla. Com. 58.
Courts are held in each of these circuits, at stated periods, by judges assigned for that purpose; 3 Steph. Com. 321. The United States is divided into nine circuits; 1 Kent 301. The term is often applied, perhaps, to the periodical journeys of the judges through their various circuits. The judges, or, in England, commissioners of assize nisi prius, are said to make their circuit; 3 Bla. Com. 57. The custom is of ancient origin. In A. D. 1170, justices in eyre were appointed, with delegated powers from the Curia Regis, being held members of that court, and directed to make the circuit of the kingdom once in seven years.