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 Vermont, the judiciary system is structured with the Vermont Supreme Court serving as the court of last resort, which is the highest court in the state. Below the Supreme Court is the Vermont Superior Court, which acts as the trial court of general jurisdiction. The Superior Court is divided into units that correspond to the state's 14 counties, and within these units, there are divisions for criminal, civil, family, and probate matters, allowing for specialization in handling specific types of cases. Vermont does not have an intermediate court of appeals; instead, appeals from the Superior Court go directly to the Vermont Supreme Court. The Superior Court hears a wide range of cases, including criminal prosecutions, civil disputes, family law matters (such as divorce, child custody, and support), and probate cases (such as estate administration and guardianships). This system ensures that there is a clear hierarchy for appeals and that there are specialized divisions to handle the various legal matters that arise within the state.