justice court

A court, presided over by a justice of the peace, that has jurisdiction to hear minor criminal cases, matters involving small amounts of money, or certain specified claims (such as forcible-entry-and-detainer suits). — Also termed justice-of-the-peace court; J.P. court. [Cases: Justices of the Peace 31. C.J.S. Justices of the Peace § 26, 47.]