Black's Law Dictionary (2nd edition)dictionaries

Diocesan Courts

In English law. The conslstorial courts of each diocese, exer-clslng geueral jurisdiction of all matters aris-lng locally within thelr respective limits, with the exception of places subject to peculiar jurisdiction; deciding all matters of spiritual discipline,—suspending or depriving clergymen,—and administering the other branches of the ecclesiastical law. 2 Steph. Comm. 672

Source: Black’s Law Dictionary 2nd Ed (1910)