In English law. A criminal court held before two or more justices of the peace, (one of whom must be of the quorum,) in every county, once in every quarter of a year. 4 BL Comm. 271; 4 Steph. Comm. 335. In American law. Courts established in some of the states, to be holden four times in the year, invested with criminal jurisdiction, usually of offenses less than felony, and sometimes with the charge of certain administrative matters, such as the care of public roads and bridges.