In English law, a court through which the powers, privileges, and immunities reserved to the sovereign were exercised.
Such courts were originally formed during the period when the sovereign's power was greater than the Parliament's. The Star Chamber , the High Commission, and the Court of Chancery all achieved importance in the 16th century. By the 17th century they were being challenged by the common law courts and competing political interests, and they were soon put out of business. See also Privy Council .