Courts of the United States
Two parallel systems, federal and state, side by side. The US Supreme Court can hear appeals from both when a question of federal law is involved.
Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
Supreme Court of the United StatesFinal court on federal law, including the Constitution
Federal courts
US Courts of Appeals13 circuits
US District CourtsFederal trial courts
State courts (50 systems)
State supreme courtFinal court on state law
Intermediate appeals courtIn most states
State trial courtsWhere most cases begin
Specialised federal courts
Tax Court, Court of Federal Claims, Court of International Trade
Bankruptcy courtsPart of the federal district courts
Worth knowing
- Most cases, including most crimes, contracts and family disputes, are decided in state courts under state law.
- There is no separate constitutional court: any court can decide constitutional questions, and the Supreme Court has the last word.
- Federal and state courts follow their own procedures, but the Supreme Court can review a state decision on a question of federal law.
Compare United States with another country →
Read the United States profile in the Legal Families Atlas →
Sources
Other systems
AustraliaBrazilCanadaChinaEgyptEngland and WalesEuropean UnionFranceGermanyHong KongIndiaIrelandIsraelItalyJapanMexicoNetherlandsNew ZealandNigeriaRussiaSingaporeSouth AfricaSpainTurkey
TheLawToKnow Tools’s court-structure diagrams are simplified on purpose and are not legal advice. Report a mistake.
