first instance

First Instance

The initial trial court where an action is brought.

A court of first instance is distinguishable from an appellate court, which is a court of last instance. In the federal court system, a federal district court is a court of first instance, whereas the Supreme Court is the court of last instance.

West's Encyclopedia of American Law, edition 2. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

first instance

first court hearing. Courts may be described as being courts of first instance if they hear or try cases as opposed to hearing appeals. See APPEAL; see also COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE.

Collins Dictionary of Law © W.J. Stewart, 2006