- For information on the Polish Courts of World War II, see Special Courts. For information on the Nazi special courts during the same period, see Sondergerichte.
A special court is a court with limited jurisdiction, that deals with a particular field of law rather than a particular territorial jurisdiction.
Special courts by country
United States
In the United States, special courts can handle both civil and criminal disputes. Common forms of special courts include "Drug Courts," "Family Courts," and "Traffic Courts". In 2008, the first Veterans' Court was created. Of the older such courts, usually Article I tribunals, is the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces founded in 1951 which functions as an appeal court for military and economic offences.
China
One of the pillars of the judiciary in the People's Republic of China includes the courts of special jurisdiction, including matters concerning the military, national railway system and maritime disputes.
United Kingdom
The judiciary of England and Wales include special courts tasked with hearing cases related to minor traffic offences.