Court: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Definition and Functions
Definition & meaning
A court is a governmental entity made up of one or more judges who resolve disputes and administer justice according to the law. The physical location where judges conduct proceedings is known as a courtroom. Additionally, the term "court" can refer to the entire building where legal matters are addressed, commonly called a courthouse.
Each state has its own court system, which includes various levels of courts such as the Supreme Court, appellate courts, district courts, probate courts, juvenile courts, and family courts. The lowest courts are those of inferior jurisdiction, such as small claims courts and courts of common pleas. Typically, litigation begins in trial courts, often at the district court level.
In addition to state courts, there are federal courts that include:
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Courts of Appeals
- U.S. District Courts
- Bankruptcy Courts
Some courts, known as Article I courts, do not possess full judicial power and include entities like the U.S. Court of Military Appeals, U.S. Tax Court, and U.S. Court of Veterans' Appeals, which were established under Article I of the U.S. Constitution.