The United States has not one but two court systems: state and federal. They run side by side, each with trial courts, appeals courts, and a high court at the top. Most of the time, your daily legal issues—family disputes, traffic tickets, property fights, or criminal charges—are handled by state courts. Federal courts step in for national questions, constitutional issues, or disputes that cross state or international lines. Article III of the U.S. Constitution requires a Supreme Court of the United States and allows Congress to set up additional federal courts, which it has done throughout our history.
Knowing the basic structure helps you see where power lies and how justice is delivered. State courts decide most of the cases that affect daily life, but federal courts and the Supreme Court shape the big questions of liberty, equality, and government power. Together, these two systems form the backbone of justice in America.
State Courts: Where Most Cases Begin
- Trial courts: This is where cases start—whether it’s a criminal trial, a contract dispute, a family matter, or a probate question about wills.
- Appellate courts: If someone thinks the trial court got the law wrong, they can appeal. Many states have an intermediate appeals level before the case reaches the state’s highest court.
- State supreme court: The final word on state law. But if the case involves a federal constitutional question—say, freedom of speech or equal protection—it may be appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States.
- Specialized state courts: Many states also have courts for particular issues, such as juvenile justice, traffic, family law, or highly local concerns like water rights.
Federal Courts: National Questions and Constitutional Issues
- District courts: These are the federal trial courts. There are 94 districts across the U.S. and its territories. A single judge (sometimes with a jury) handles cases involving federal crimes, federal laws, or large multi-state disputes.
- Courts of appeals: The country is divided into 13 circuits. If someone challenges a district court decision, a panel of three judges reviews the record to see if the law was applied correctly. For most cases, this is where the journey ends.
- The Supreme Court of the United States: The highest court in the land, with nine justices. It chooses which cases to hear—usually the ones involving major constitutional questions or disagreements among lower courts. When the Supreme Court rules, its decision is final and binding on all other courts.
Specialized Courts: Focused Expertise
- Federal: Some courts handle only specific issues—bankruptcy, tax disputes, veterans’ claims, or trade.
- State: Similar specialization exists at the state level, where courts may focus on family law, probate, juvenile justice, or traffic law violations.
