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 Nevada, the court system is structured with the Nevada Supreme Court serving as the court of last resort. It is the highest court in the state and primarily handles appeals from lower courts. Nevada also has an intermediate Court of Appeals that was established to provide a more efficient resolution of appellate cases. Below these appellate courts are the District Courts, which serve as the state trial courts of general jurisdiction. These courts handle a wide range of cases, including criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. In more populous areas, there may be specialized courts such as Family Courts, which exclusively deal with family law issues like divorce, child custody, and support, and separate criminal courts for criminal cases. Additionally, some jurisdictions may have specific probate courts dedicated to handling estate matters and related litigation. The structure and jurisdiction of Nevada's courts are established by the state constitution and laws, and they primarily interpret and apply state law rather than federal law.