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 Ohio, the state court system is structured with the Ohio Supreme Court at the apex, serving as the court of last resort. Below the Supreme Court is the Ohio Court of Appeals, which is an intermediate appellate court that reviews cases from the lower courts. Ohio is divided into twelve appellate districts, each with its own Court of Appeals. At the trial level, Ohio has Courts of Common Pleas, which are the general jurisdiction trial courts for the state. These courts handle a wide range of cases, including criminal, civil, probate, and domestic relations matters. Additionally, Ohio has Municipal Courts and County Courts that handle lesser civil and criminal cases, including traffic and non-felony offenses. In more populated areas, there may be specialized courts such as Family Courts or Drug Courts that focus on specific types of cases. The Ohio court system is designed to ensure that there is a clear hierarchy for appeals and that specialized matters can be addressed in appropriate forums.