💡 How-To
Difference Between State and Federal Court Systems
The US has two separate court systems " — state and federal. Most cases (90%) are handled in state courts. Here's how to tell which system handles which cases.
State vs. Federal Courts
| Feature | State Courts | Federal Courts |
|---|---|---|
| Cases handled | 90% of all cases | 10% of all cases |
| Jurisdiction | State laws, state constitutions | Federal laws, US Constitution |
| Judges | Appointed or elected (varies by state) | Appointed by President, confirmed by Senate |
| Juries | 6-12 people (varies by state) | 6-12 people (federal rules) |
| Appeals | State appellate courts → State Supreme Court | US Circuit Courts → US Supreme Court |
State Court Jurisdiction
- Criminal cases: Murder, theft, assault, DUI, drug offenses (violating state law)
- Civil cases: Lawsuits under $75,000, family law (divorce, custody), probate
- Traffic violations: Speeding tickets, parking tickets
- Small claims: Disputes under $5,000-10,000 (varies by state)
- Most everyday legal matters
Federal Court Jurisdiction
- Federal crimes: Tax evasion, bank robbery, terrorism, drug trafficking across state lines
- Constitutional issues: Cases involving the US Constitution or federal laws
- Interstate disputes: Cases between citizens of different states (over $75,000)
- Bankruptcy: All bankruptcy cases go to federal court
- Patent, copyright, trademark: Intellectual property cases
- Federal agencies: Cases against the IRS, EPA, FBI, etc.
The Court Hierarchy
State Courts (Each State Has Its Own)
- Trial courts (where cases begin)
- Intermediate appellate courts (some states)
- State Supreme Court (final state authority)
Federal Courts
- District courts (94 districts, trial courts)
- Circuit courts of appeals (13 circuits)
- US Supreme Court (final federal authority)
The "diversity jurisdiction" rule: Federal courts can hear state-law cases IF the parties are from different states AND the amount in dispute exceeds $75,000. This is why you sometimes see car accident lawsuits in federal court even though car accidents are normally state matters.
⚠️ Common misconceptions:
- "Federal court is always more serious" " — not necessarily, depends on the case
- "I can choose which court" " — jurisdiction is determined by law, not preference
- "State courts are less important" " — state courts handle 90% of cases and affect daily life most
The bottom line: State courts handle 90% of cases: criminal (theft, assault, DUI), civil (divorce, contracts, personal injury), traffic, and small claims. Federal courts handle: federal crimes (tax evasion, bank robbery), constitutional issues, interstate disputes (over $75,000), bankruptcy, and intellectual property. You don't choose " — jurisdiction is determined by the type of case.