Most people interact with the court system few times in their lives. It can be due to a crash, arrest, divorce, business dispute, or some other legal matter. Regardless of what the reason for entering the court system is, it can be a confusing and overwhelming situation. In the United States, courts are organized by levels that sometimes allow the matter to be escalated to appeal decisions to higher courts. In addition, there are categories depending on the type of case and jurisdiction involved.
Why are there different types of courts?
No court is capable of addressing all of society's diverse legal needs on its own. With the development of the law and the access to legal knowledge that the average person has acquired, the U.S. court system has seen an increase in legal actions since the twentieth century.
Although the U.S. judicial system may seem confusing, there is an order that designates responsibilities and areas of service to the appropriate courts. Different courts specialize in hearing different types of disputes. The purpose of the judicial organization is to provide the public with designated courts that are trained to:
- Evaluate Evidence
- Interpret Laws
- Protect constitutional rights
- Resolve disputes fairly, in accordance with applicable laws
The State Civil Court System
A civil case usually involves disputes between individuals, businesses, or organizations. The goal of filing a case in civil court is typically limited to obtaining compensation, seeking enforcement of rights, or resolving a dispute. Convictions or punishments are usually not contemplated in civil matters. However, in some cases, punitive damages may be sought.
Examples of Civil Cases:
- Car Crashes
- Defective Product Damages
- Dangerous Drug Injuries
- Family Law Matters
- Property Disputes
- Employment Claims
State Civil Courts have three levels: trial courts, appellate courts, and the state supreme court.
It is important to note that although the structure of state courts is similar across the country, each state has its own court system and may use different names or divisions for some of its courts.
United States District Courts
A trial court is where most civil cases begin. It is in the trial court that the facts of the case are presented along with the evidence and testimony of witnesses. Here, the judge presiding the court can decide legal issues while a jury can determine facts and damages. Keep in mind that in a civil case, the severity of damages is established before determining the compensation due. The trial courts include:
- State District Courts
- Municipal Courts
- County Courts
- Family Courts
- Probate Courts
The Courts of Appeal
When a party in a case is not satisfied with the judge's decision, they could escalate the matter to the second level of state courts: the appellate courts. In the courts of appeal:
- Yes, lower court decisions are reviewed
- Yes, it is determined if errors in applying the law affected the outcome of the case
- No, new evidence that was not presented in the lower courts is usually not considered.
When a case is heard in the appellate courts, one of the following will usually occur:
- The Court of Appeals will affirm the decision that was made in the lower court
- The Court of Appeals will reverse the decision that was made in the lower court – this could happen if the appellate court judge determines that the lower court judge applied the wrong law, misinterpreted a law, entered a judgment (verdict) that was not allowed by law, or that the evidence presented was not legally sufficient to sustain the lower court's decision.
- The Court of Appeals will send the case back to the lower court for a new trial – When this happens, the judge is said to have ‘remanded the case'. This could happen when the state appeals court finds that the lower court made a major legal error but finds that some of the information or legal process needed to make a decision in the appellate court is missing. Therefore, the appellate court remands the case to the lower court for clarification of the facts or a retrial, as appropriate.
State Supreme Court
The State Supreme Court is the highest authority court in civil matters at the state level. Unlike state appellate courts, the state supreme court does not review every case it receives. Instead, it handles a select number of cases focusing on those that raise important legal issues that could involve changes in the law or how it is applied. Decisions in the State Supreme Court can set precedents that lower courts should follow in similar cases.
The Federal Civil Court System
In addition to state courts, the United States has a federal court system. These courts hear cases involving federal law, constitutional issues, or specific disputes that the law assigns to federal jurisdiction, such as cases between individuals or businesses from different states.
Like state courts, the U.S. federal court system is organized into three levels:
- U.S. District Courts – The U.S. District Courts are the courts where most federal civil cases begin. These courts are where evidence is presented, witnesses make their statements, and a judge or jury issues their decisions.
- U.S. Courts of Appeals – The U.S. Courts of Appeals review decisions issued by District Courts to determine whether the law was properly applied.
- U.S. Supreme Court – The U.S. Supreme Court is the most authoritative court in the country. This court only accepts a small percentage of the cases that come their way. Cases accepted in the Supreme Court usually have constitutional or legal implications for the entire country. Decisions made in the Supreme Court will serve as a guide for all federal and state courts in the future.
What determines whether a case is filed in state or federal court?
A case is in the jurisdiction of the federal courts if it meets one of the following criteria:
- It is a case between two people or entities from different states
- The case involves federal laws
- The case deals with constitutional rights issues
What Are Mass Torts and What Role Does Multidistrict Litigation Play in Federal Lawsuits?
Some civil lawsuits do not affect a single person. In certain cases, many people in different states may claim that they suffered similar harm from the same product, drug, medical device, corporate conduct, or event. These types of claims are often referred to as mass torts or mass actions.
When there are many federal lawsuits involving similar events, those cases may be part of Multidistrict Litigation (MDL). In an MDL, cases filed in different federal courts may be temporarily transferred to a single federal court. Cases assigned to an MDL are still individual lawsuits, but certain issues in the process can be handled together. For example, the exchange of evidence, important motions and general hearings. This could reduce the risk of conflicting decisions in different cases and also allows courts to use their resources more efficiently, especially in complex litigation involving many people.
It is important to remember that a case does not go to federal court because it is ‘more important' than one filed in state court. The difference between the two systems depends on the jurisdiction and applicable laws.
Help Facing the United States Justice System
The U.S. civil court system may seem complex at first, but its structure serves a clear purpose: to ensure that each type of case is heard by the court with the jurisdiction, experience, and resources necessary to resolve the case according to the law.
If you have questions about a legal matter or want to know what legal options might be available in your case, consulting with an attorney can help you understand your rights.
At The Carlson Law Firm, our team represents clients in matters that can be filed in both state and federal courts. If you need guidance about your situation, we're here to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand what your next steps might be.
