Noun
/kɔːrt haʊs/
The term "courthouse" refers to a building where legal cases are heard, and judicial proceedings take place. It is often the site where judges conduct trials and where various legal and administrative tasks related to the law are performed. Courthouses are typically associated with local, state, or federal courts and may also include offices related to legal and administrative public services.
The term "courthouse" is used fairly frequently in both spoken and written contexts, particularly in legal, news, and civic discussions. However, it is more prevalent in written contexts due to its formal nature.
The lawyer met her client at the courthouse to discuss the upcoming trial.
La abogada se reunió con su cliente en el palacio de justicia para discutir el próximo juicio.
The large courthouse in the city center is well-known for its impressive architecture.
El gran palacio de justicia en el centro de la ciudad es bien conocido por su impresionante arquitectura.
We must arrive early at the courthouse to find a good seat in the courtroom.
Debemos llegar temprano al palacio de justicia para encontrar un buen asiento en la sala del tribunal.
While "courthouse" itself does not form a significant number of idiomatic expressions, related terms, especially "court," do appear in various idioms.
Court of public opinion
The celebrity was tried in the court of public opinion after the scandal broke.
La celebridad fue juzgada en el tribunal de la opinión pública después de que estallara el escándalo.
To court disaster
If you drive without a seatbelt, you are courting disaster.
Si conduces sin cinturón de seguridad, estás cortejando el desastre.
Out of court
The dispute was settled out of court, saving both parties time and money.
La disputa se resolvió fuera de los tribunales, ahorrando tiempo y dinero a ambas partes.
Play to the gallery
(In court context) The defense lawyer tried to play to the gallery to win sympathy from the jury.
El abogado defensor trató de jugar para la galería para ganar simpatía del jurado.
In court
She has to appear in court tomorrow to testify as a witness.
Ella tiene que comparecer en el tribunal mañana para testificar como testigo.
The word "courthouse" is a compound noun formed from "court," which derives from the Old French corte (meaning "enclosed area") and has roots in the Latin cohortem, and "house," which comes from the Old English hus (meaning "dwelling or shelter").
Overall, "courthouse" signifies a critical institution within the judicial system, embodying order and the application of law.