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 Maryland, the court system is structured with the Court of Appeals at the top, serving as the state's court of last resort, similar to a supreme court in other states. Below the Court of Appeals is the Court of Special Appeals, which is Maryland's intermediate appellate court. These appellate courts review decisions from the lower courts. At the trial level, Maryland has Circuit Courts and District Courts. The Circuit Courts generally handle more serious criminal cases, major civil cases, family law matters, and all jury trials. They are courts of general jurisdiction. The District Courts, on the other hand, have jurisdiction over certain types of civil and criminal cases, including minor civil claims, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, and misdemeanors. Maryland also has Orphans' Courts, which are specialized courts handling wills, estates, and other probate matters. In more populated areas, certain courts may focus on specific areas of law, but generally, the Circuit Courts and District Courts handle a broad range of cases, encompassing criminal law, family law, and civil disputes.