Courts are state and federal government institutions with the authority to decide legal disputes and administer justice under the law in civil, criminal, and administrative matters. Courts are generally given this authority under the relevant state or federal constitution, and the relevant state or federal statutes. Courts are generally staffed by (1) one judge (in trial courts) or a panel of judges (in appellate courts) who interpret and apply the law; (2) support staff members that may include administrators (clerks); (3) a court reporter to record court proceedings; and (4) a bailiff to provide security.

The room in which court proceedings are conducted is known as the courtroom, and the building that includes the courtroom is known as the courthouse. The term “the court” may be used to refer to the judge or judges who are presiding over court proceedings. The judges in a state or federal court system are collectively known as the judiciary.

In Massachusetts, courts operate as part of the judicial branch of government and have the authority to resolve legal disputes and administer justice in civil, criminal, and administrative cases. This authority is derived from the Massachusetts Constitution and state statutes, as well as federal law for federal courts. Massachusetts courts are typically composed of a single judge in trial courts or a panel of judges in appellate courts, who are responsible for interpreting and applying the law. The courts are supported by staff members including clerks who manage administrative tasks, court reporters who transcribe proceedings, and bailiffs who ensure security. Court proceedings take place in a courtroom, which is located within a courthouse. The term 'the court' can refer to the judge or panel of judges presiding over a case. Judges at both the state and federal levels in Massachusetts are part of the judiciary, which is the system of courts that interprets and applies the law in the name of the state or federal government.