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 New Jersey, courts operate at both the state and federal levels, each with the authority to resolve legal disputes and uphold justice in accordance with their respective constitutions and statutes. New Jersey's state court system is structured with the New Jersey Supreme Court at the apex, followed by the Superior Court—Appellate Division, and then the Superior Court at the trial level, which is divided into various divisions such as Criminal, Civil, Family, and others. Municipal courts handle lesser offenses and local ordinance violations. Federal cases are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, with appeals going to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Judges preside over court proceedings, supported by clerks, court reporters, and bailiffs. The term 'court' can refer to the physical courtroom, the courthouse building, or the presiding judge(s) who make up the judiciary. Judges are tasked with interpreting and applying the law, and their decisions are based on legal statutes, case law, and constitutional provisions.