Legal Definitions - General Court

The General Court is the official name for the legislative branch of government in two U.S. states: Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Historically, the term "General Court" was common during the colonial era for governmental bodies that exercised both law-making (legislative) and judgment-making (judicial) functions. Today, however, its primary role is legislative, meaning it is responsible for creating, debating, and passing laws for its respective state.

Here are some examples illustrating the function of a General Court:

• Imagine a situation where the state of Massachusetts is considering a new law to increase funding for public transportation. This proposed legislation would be introduced, debated, and voted upon by the elected representatives who make up the Massachusetts General Court. If the bill passes both chambers of the General Court and is signed by the Governor, it becomes state law.

  This example demonstrates the General Court's role as the primary legislative body responsible for creating new laws and allocating state resources.

• Suppose the state of New Hampshire needs to approve its biennial budget, which outlines all state spending for the next two years, including funds for education, healthcare, and public safety. This crucial financial document must be meticulously reviewed, amended, and ultimately approved by a majority vote within the New Hampshire General Court before it can be enacted.

  This illustrates the General Court's responsibility for managing the state's finances and approving the budget that funds all government operations.

• A group of citizens in a town in Massachusetts is concerned about a proposed change to local zoning regulations that could impact their neighborhood. To voice their concerns and advocate for their interests, they might contact their state representative or senator, who is a member of the Massachusetts General Court, to bring the issue to the attention of the state legislature.

  This example highlights the General Court's function as the forum where citizens' concerns can be addressed through their elected representatives, influencing state-level policy and legislation.