Understanding State Court Systems

The U.S. Constitution has provided for the states to individually maintain and administer their own court systems to oversee specific legal disputes and issues within their boundaries. Most of the cases which are heard and decided in the country fall under state jurisdictions, thus are in the state courts.

Each state’s court system differs from the next, which can cause a certain level of confusion among citizens. However, your state’s official website should provide a more in-depth explanation of the levels of courts in your area, which cases are heard in which court, and the path of a normal appeals process.

Types of Cases Heard in State Courts

State courts often hear cases which fall under the area of family law, personal injury, estate and probate issues, criminal law and traffic violations. Family law encompasses divorces, child custody and child support or alimony payments. Personal injury law includes car accidents, medical malpractice or product liability. Criminal law can include all misdemeanors and felonies which are not under federal jurisdiction, as well as juvenile offenses. 

Federal Matters

Federal courts exercise jurisdiction over matters which cross state lines, or involve such issues as immigration, patents, bankruptcies or violations of civil and other rights bestowed by the U.S. Constitution.

Jurisdictions, Court Levels and Court Names

Every state has a specific court structure that includes general, limited or local jurisdiction courts, appeals courts and appellate courts. The state’s laws and own constitution will determine which cases are heard by which court, and any limits placed on these. For example, a municipal court may hear small claims cases up to and including $6,000 claims, but anything larger may go directly to a county court or superior court.

Not to be confused with the federal courts, some states have district and circuit courts, county courts, appeals courts, superior and even supreme courts. The basic three levels of these courts are trial courts, intermediate appellate and high appellate courts, regardless of the specific names given by the state. Many cases are first heard in the trial courts, then appealed in the intermediate and subsequently the high appellate courts. 

These trial courts are usually limited jurisdiction courts located at the town or municipal level. Intermediate appellate courts exercise general jurisdiction over county, circuit or district matters, and high appellate courts oversee specific types of cases and appeals from the intermediate appellate courts. Often, these high appellate courts are called “supreme courts” or “court of appeals.”

When you need to file a case in your state, it’s generally best to first check with your local courthouse or state government to determine the correct court to approach. Failing to do so can lead to your case simply being thrown out as invalid, causing you to start over again in the correct court. If you simply need to find court records from a specific court, it’s best to approach this court directly, or try to access them via your state’s judicial website.

State-Specific Court System Information:

Alaska Court System

New York State Court System

Virginia Court System

Wisconsin Court System