Courts are state and federal government institutions with the authority to decide legal disputes and administer justice under the law in civil, criminal, and administrative matters. Courts are generally given this authority under the relevant state or federal constitution, and the relevant state or federal statutes. Courts are generally staffed by (1) one judge (in trial courts) or a panel of judges (in appellate courts) who interpret and apply the law; (2) support staff members that may include administrators (clerks); (3) a court reporter to record court proceedings; and (4) a bailiff to provide security.

The room in which court proceedings are conducted is known as the courtroom, and the building that includes the courtroom is known as the courthouse. The term “the court” may be used to refer to the judge or judges who are presiding over court proceedings. The judges in a state or federal court system are collectively known as the judiciary.

In Virginia, courts operate at both the state and federal levels to resolve legal disputes and uphold justice in civil, criminal, and administrative cases. The authority of these courts is derived from the Virginia Constitution and state statutes, as well as the U.S. Constitution and federal laws for federal courts. Virginia's state court system includes several levels, such as the Supreme Court of Virginia (the highest court), the Court of Appeals, Circuit Courts (trial courts of general jurisdiction), General District Courts, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. Federal courts in Virginia include the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Typically, a single judge presides over trial court cases, while appellate courts have panels of judges. Courtrooms, located within courthouses, are where judicial proceedings take place, and they are supported by staff such as clerks, court reporters, and bailiffs. The term 'the court' can refer to the presiding judge or panel of judges, and together, these judges form the judiciary.