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 Virginia, the judicial system is structured with the Supreme Court of Virginia at its apex, serving as the court of last resort. Below the Supreme Court, there is an intermediate Court of Appeals that reviews decisions of the lower courts upon request. The trial courts in Virginia are primarily the Circuit Courts, which have general jurisdiction over a wide range of cases, including criminal cases, civil lawsuits, and family law matters. Circuit Courts handle felony criminal cases, civil cases with claims of $25,000 or more, and family law matters such as divorce and adoption. Below the Circuit Courts are the General District Courts and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts, which are courts of limited jurisdiction. General District Courts handle misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases with claims of less than $25,000, and traffic infractions. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts deal with matters involving juveniles and family issues such as custody and support. Virginia's court system is designed to handle a variety of legal matters, with specific courts designated for certain types of cases, reflecting the state's commitment to an organized and hierarchical judicial structure.