King’s Bench

One of the principal courts of common law in England, alongside the Court of Common Pleas and Court of Exchequer. Originally concerned particularly with cases involving the Crown, criminal matters, and certain civil actions, it became an important superior court of common law. The court is called the Queen’s Bench during a queen’s reign. Under the Judicature Acts 1873–5, it became the King’s Bench Division of the High Court, and it has this title today.