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
