In earlier times, local magistrates {justice of the peace}| heard small civil actions, performed marriages, and handled divorces.
County or city courts {small claims court} can hear cases involving less than $1000, within months of filing. Courts have judge, plaintiff, and defendant. Both can have lawyers, but lawyers are too costly. Filing fees are small. Defendants pay no fee. Clerk of court manages court records and actions and can assist both parties, if necessary.
Courts {traffic court} can handle traffic violations. Defendants are typically guilty, unless arresting officers do not appear.
Local courts {magistrate's court} {court of original jurisdiction} hear civil and criminal cases.
Courts {probate court} can rule that wills are valid.
Courts can be municipal or county courts {superior court}.
Courts {lower court} {trial court} can be first to hear cases.
Courts {state court} can be civil or criminal courts. State civil courts hear disputes between two individuals, businesses, or governments. State criminal courts conduct trials against accused state-law violators.
Appeals can only allege law violations or improper court procedures. Higher state courts {appellate court} {court of appellate jurisdiction} hear appeals. State appellate courts must consider all appeals and issue opinions.
Courts {federal court} can hear Constitutional-law questions, federal-law questions, conflicts between states, and civil suits involving citizens of different states. Federal courts are district courts, appellate courts, and USA Supreme Court. Federal courts can refuse to hear appeals.
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Date Modified: 2022.0225