State Courts

/ˈsteɪt ˌkɔrts/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Judicial tribunals established by a state government to adjudicate matters under state law.
    Most criminal cases are initially heard in state courts.

Forms

  • state courts
  • state court

Commentary

The term specifically refers to courts operating under a state's authority and distinct from federal courts; often contrasted with federal jurisdiction.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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