Legal Definition of District court: A court of the federal government or of a state, having jurisdiction over a particular geographic area. Such area may be a whole state, several states, or only part of a state, depending upon the size of its population | Need to understand the role of district courts in the legal system? This comprehensive article defines district courts, explains their jurisdiction, and highlights why they are important for businesses. Gain access to justice, benefit from local expertise, and receive efficient dispute resolution. Click here to learn more