E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Common Pleas.
Civil actions at law brought by one subject against another—not by the Crown against a subject. The Court of Common Pleas is for the trial of civil [not capital] offences. In 1875 this court was abolished, and in 1880 it was represented by the Common Pleas Division and merged in the King’s [or Queen’s] Bench Division.
