from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS. The name of an English court which was established on
the breaking up of the aula regis, for the determination of pleas merely
civil. It was at first ambulatory, but was afterwards located. This
jurisdiction is founded on original write issuing out of chancery, in the
cases of common persons. But when an attorney or person belonging to the
court, is plaintiff, he sues by writs, of privilege, and is sued by bill,
which is in the nature of a petition; both which originate in the common
pleas. See Bench; Banc.
2. There are courts in most of the states of the United States which
bear the name of common pleas; they have various powers and jurisdictions.