Each state’s constitution and laws establish the state’s courts, which interpret state laws (and generally not federal laws). A court of last resort, often known as a supreme court, is usually the highest court in the state. Some states also have an intermediate court of appeals. Below these intermediate courts of appeal are the state trial courts, where most lawsuits begin. State trial courts are referred to differently in different states—often as district courts, circuit courts, or superior courts.

State courts are often courts of general jurisdiction—meaning they hear all types of cases—involving criminal law, family law, probate law, and general disputes involving money and property. But more populated counties often have courts of specific jurisdiction, such as family courts that only hear family law matters (divorce, child custody, child support); criminal courts that only hear criminal matters; and probate courts that only handle the probate of estates and related litigation.

In California, the state court system is structured with the California Supreme Court as the highest court, serving as the court of last resort. Below the Supreme Court is the California Court of Appeal, which is the intermediate appellate court. These appellate courts review decisions from trial courts and ensure the law is applied correctly. At the base of the hierarchy are the California Superior Courts, which are the trial courts of general jurisdiction. These courts handle a wide variety of cases, including criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. In more populous counties, there may be specialized divisions within the Superior Courts that focus on specific areas of law, such as family law or criminal law. These specialized courts are designed to handle cases more efficiently by concentrating on a particular legal area. The California court system is designed to ensure that there is a clear path for legal appeals and that specialized matters can be addressed by courts with the appropriate expertise.