Definition and Citations:
A term anciently used to denote civil actions, or those depending between subject and subject, as distinguished from picas of the crown. Dallett v. Feltus. 7 Phila. (Pa.) 627. COMMON PLEAS, THE COURT OF. In English law. (So called because its original jurisdiction was to determine controversies between subject and subject.) One of the three superior courts of common law at Westminster, presided over by a lord chief COMMON RECOVERY 228 COMMOTION justice and five (formerly four, until 31 & 32 Vict. c. 125,