Simple English definitions for legal terms
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The Court of Queen's Bench, also known as the Queen's Bench, used to be the highest common-law court in England, with the reigning monarch as its presiding judge. Nowadays, its jurisdiction is under the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice, and it automatically changes its name to King's Bench when a new king begins to reign. The abbreviation for this court is Q.B. It is also called the Court of Queen's Bench and should not be confused with the King'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.