State and Federal Courts

Federal courts

Courts established under US Constitution with federal jurisdiction

State courts

Courts established under state constitution and laws

Federal district

Geographical area covered by federal courts

Pretrial Procedures in Civil Cases

Initial steps in civil cases before trial

Petitioner

Person filing a case in civil court

Defendant

Person or entity being sued

Plaintiff

Person or entity filing a lawsuit

Federal jurisdiction

Right or authority of federal courts to apply the law

Court system

System of courts in each state with different levels and names

98 percent

The majority of cases heard in state courts

Criminal cases

Type of case decided by state courts

Divorces

Type of case decided by state courts

Estates

Type of case decided by state courts

Landlord-tenant matters

Type of case decided by state courts

Personal injury

Type of case decided by state courts